Prep Lab Assistant

Quest Diagnostics • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Prep Lab Assistant position provides a wide variety of support for the assigned lab department. This role involves handling samples, reagents, and supplies, performing waived tests under supervision, and maintaining laboratory equipment and work areas. The position requires attention to detail, flexibility, and the ability to follow all safety protocols, including PPE requirements.

Requirements

• Previous Laboratory experience - preferably in Microbiology
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Accurate worker, detail-oriented
• Flexible with respect to department scheduling needs.
• Flexible to work in other departments as needed.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)

Responsibilities

• Picks up samples from accessioning and sorts samples into appropriate racks.
• Answers phone and directs calls appropriately.
• Unpacks and stores reagents and supplies.
• Inventories and orders warehouse supply items.
• Sorts samples and distributes them to the appropriate setup hood.
• Manages specimen library within established time frames.
• Decontaminates work areas as designated.
• Performs waived tests under supervision.
• Seeks specimens as needed.
• Maintains work area in clean and organized condition.
• Follows all PPE requirements.
• Maintains designated laboratory equipment.
• Performs QA/QC duties as assigned (eyewash checks, temperature readings etc...)
• Loads urines onto Atlas for urinalysis.
• Resolves unverified pending list for occult bloods and urinalysis.
• Inoculates appropriate microbiology media based on site given.
• Prepares samples for processing i.e. tissue grinders, centrifuging.
• Credits unacceptable / duplicate test requests, knows what sites and specimens are acceptable for testing.
• Places anaerobic culture plates in appropriate bags.
• Loads blood bottles into Bactec machine.
• Prints and separates worksheets.
• Puts culture plates in incubators.
• Prepares concentrates and trichrome slides for ova and parasites.
• Prepares samples for DNA probes.
• Prepares malaria smears.
• Prepares tubes for Giardia antigens and cryptosporidium EIA.
• Performs and finalizes occult blood results.
• Uses various laboratory computer systems for labeling, inquiry, crediting, and resulting as needed.
• Disposes of biohazardous and chemical waste.
• Completes PAL forms appropriately.
• Provides input regarding procedures, training manual, and checklists.
• Assists with department quality and process improvement projects.
• Sets up media and supplies for assigned work area.
• Completes training checklists and competency testing appropriately.
• Discards specimens weekly.
• All other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Day 1 Medical
• supplemental health
• dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Best-in-class well-being programs
• Annual, no-cost health assessment program
• Blueprint for Wellness® healthyMINDS mental health program
• Vacation and Health/Flex Time
• 6 Holidays plus 1 "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, plus 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