Prep Lab Assistant

Quest Diagnostics • Pittsburgh, PA

2d

About The Position

The Prep Lab Assistant provides a wide variety of support for the assigned laboratory department. The role is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Serology Tech Ops Support, with a Monday-to-Friday schedule from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The stated pay range starts at $18.51 per hour. Salary offers consider relevant skills, training, experience, education, certifications where applicable, and market and organizational factors. Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.

The position supports laboratory sample preparation, specimen handling, supplies and equipment, testing activities, quality processes, and department operations. It requires following PPE requirements, maintaining a clean and organized work area, and flexibility to work in other departments as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Accurate and detail-oriented worker.
• Flexible with respect to department scheduling needs.
• Flexible to work in other departments as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Previous laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Pick up samples from accessioning and sort them into appropriate racks.
• Answer phones and direct calls appropriately.
• Unpack and store reagents and supplies.
• Inventory and order warehouse supply items.
• Sort samples and distribute them to the appropriate setup hood.
• Manage the specimen library within established time frames.
• Decontaminate designated work areas.
• Perform waived tests under supervision.
• Seek specimens as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all PPE requirements.
• Maintain designated laboratory equipment.
• Perform assigned QA/QC duties, including eyewash checks and temperature readings.
• Load urines onto Atlas for urinalysis.
• Resolve unverified pending lists for occult bloods and urinalysis.
• Inoculate appropriate microbiology media based on the site given.
• Prepare samples for processing, including tissue grinding and centrifuging.
• Credit unacceptable or duplicate test requests and identify which sites and specimens are acceptable for testing.
• Place anaerobic culture plates in appropriate bags.
• Load blood bottles into the Bactec machine.
• Print and separate worksheets.
• Put culture plates in incubators.
• Prepare concentrates and trichrome slides for ova and parasites.
• Prepare samples for DNA probes.
• Prepare malaria smears.
• Prepare tubes for Giardia antigens and cryptosporidium EIA.
• Perform and finalize occult blood results.
• Use laboratory computer systems for labeling, inquiry, crediting, and resulting as needed.
• Dispose of biohazardous and chemical waste.
• Complete PAL forms appropriately.
• Provide input regarding procedures, the training manual, and checklists.
• Assist with department quality and process improvement projects.
• Set up media and supplies for the assigned work area.
• Complete training checklists and competency testing appropriately.
• Discard specimens weekly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees who work 30 or more hours.
• Well-being programs.
• Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness® health assessment program.
• healthyMINDS mental health program.
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
• Six holidays plus one “MyDay” off.
• FinFit financial coaching and services.
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Life and disability insurance, with a buy-up option.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Annual incentive plans.
• Matching gifts program.
• Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
• Career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED