Prep Lab Assistant

Quest Diagnostics•Rocky Hill, CT

10d

About The Position

The Prep Lab Assistant provides a wide variety of support for the assigned laboratory department. The role handles specimen pickup, sorting, preparation, distribution, processing, and disposal, as well as supply and reagent management, equipment upkeep, and routine laboratory quality checks. The assistant performs waived tests under supervision and uses laboratory computer systems for tasks such as labeling, inquiry, crediting, and resulting. The position is based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with rotational weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to stand for long periods of time.
Accurate and detail-oriented work.
Flexibility to accommodate department scheduling needs.
Flexibility to work in other departments as needed.

Responsibilities

Pick up samples from accessioning and sort them into appropriate racks.
Answer the phone 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 personal protective equipment requirements.
Maintain designated laboratory equipment.
Perform assigned QA/QC duties, such as eyewash checks and temperature readings.
Load urines onto Atlas for urinalysis.
Resolve the unverified pending list for occult bloods and urinalysis.
Inoculate appropriate microbiology media based on the site given.
Prepare samples for processing, including use of tissue grinders 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 benefits for full-time employees who work 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost health assessment program, Blueprint for Wellness®.
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.
Successful candidates may be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation.