Senior Lab Assistant - Microbiology

Tenet • Detroit, MI

3d

About The Position

Under general supervision and according to specific and detailed procedures, the Senior Lab Assistant accurately performs assigned pre-analytical and post-analytical testing activities. The role processes information with attention to detail and may act as an in-charge designee. It interacts with patients and healthcare professionals, responds to routine inquiries, and inspects and maintains work areas, instruments, and supplies. The position supports DMC values and a High Reliability Culture focused on safety, customer service, community welfare, excellence, respect, integrity, accountability, innovation, teamwork, and effective resource use.

DMC University Laboratories (DMCUL) is a regional integrated laboratory system serving the eight hospitals of Detroit Medical Center. Its operations include core and specialty laboratories, rapid-response hospital laboratories, centralized stat and blood bank laboratories, and outreach services. The system serves Southeast Michigan and provides reference laboratory services to other healthcare systems and out-of-state facilities.

The role may include phlebotomy, specimen processing, training and supporting staff, coordinating workflow, and performing related clerical, quality-control, and laboratory support duties.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of experience in specimen processing and/or phlebotomy in a health environment; three years of phlebotomy experience is required for the Outreach department.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree preferred.
• Three years of progressively more responsible experience preferred.
• Customer service experience in a service environment preferred.
• Phlebotomy certification preferred for phlebotomists.

Responsibilities

• Assist with training staff on appropriate phlebotomy and specimen-processing policies and procedures.
• Act as the daily team leader to help ensure continuous workflow.
• Assist with troubleshooting routine or moderately complex processing and phlebotomy issues.
• Serve as a resource to Laboratory Assistants, assist with specimen processing, and answer questions about laboratory policies and procedures.
• Follow departmental safety policies, procedures, and OSHA guidelines, including use of applicable personal protective equipment.
• Communicate training and development needs to management.
• Prioritize incoming specimens and process patient specimens according to safety and OSHA guidelines; promptly process stat and other critical tests, document specimen problems, and communicate them to a supervisor or lead designee.
• Draw blood samples when required by physician orders; verify patient identification and collect insurance information.
• Generate and attach labels to specimens and blood samples; process and aliquot specimens according to established test requirements.
• Verify patient identification and specimen suitability, maintain specimen integrity, and sort, rack, and deliver specimens to the appropriate testing laboratory.
• Enter and review laboratory test data in the laboratory computer system and correct errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards.
• Communicate with patients about procedures and answer routine questions from physicians, nurses, and other appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Maintain a clean work area, stock and inventory supplies, clean glassware and equipment, and perform simple inspection and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Perform transportation duties as needed, deliver specimens and reports, and time-stamp or computer-verify laboratory requests.
• Conduct routine equipment quality-control checks, such as recording temperatures, and report unusual findings to a supervisor or lead designee.
• Prepare media and reagents as needed.
• Prepare patients for and/or administer tolerance tests as needed.
• Perform clerical duties, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and relaying messages.
• Check organizational communications daily, including Outlook, laboratory software, and posted notices.
• Act as in-charge designee when the group leader or supervisor is absent.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Career development and continuing education opportunities.
• Health savings accounts and healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discount program.
• Voluntary pet, legal, accident, critical illness, long-term care, elder and childcare, auto, and home insurance.

What This Job Offers

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