Senior Lab Assistant - Anatomic Pathology

Tenet • Detroit, MI

17h

About The Position

Under general supervision and according to detailed procedures, the Senior Lab Assistant performs tasks across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing activities in Anatomic Pathology and specimen processing. The role handles specimens using specialized, semi-technical techniques; compiles and verifies information with attention to detail; and interacts with healthcare professionals to respond to routine inquiries. The Senior Lab Assistant also assists with staff training and routine or moderately complex troubleshooting, maintains work areas and equipment, and may serve as the in-charge designee when requested.

The position supports patient care by following specimen-processing protocols, verifying patient identification and specimen integrity, documenting work accurately, and complying with departmental safety procedures and OSHA guidelines. It also involves clerical tasks, maintaining records and supplies, and promoting DMC values through a commitment to safety, customer service, excellence, respect, integrity, accountability, innovation, teamwork, community welfare, and effective resource use.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of experience in specimen processing and/or a pathology laboratory environment.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree preferred.
• Six months of experience in Anatomic Pathology preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Customer service experience in a service environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with training staff on Anatomic Pathology and specimen-processing policies and procedures.
• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving routine or moderately complex specimen-processing and Anatomic Pathology issues.
• Follow departmental safety procedures and OSHA guidelines, including use of applicable personal protective equipment.
• Prioritize incoming specimens and process patient specimens using specialized techniques; immediately process STAT and other critical specimens according to guidelines.
• Document specimen problems and communicate them to a supervisor or lead designee.
• Set up and maintain assigned work areas and equipment, including gross room, dissection area, and cytology processing areas; ensure equipment is operational.
• Collaborate with staff and pathologists on Anatomic Pathology processes; label specimens, vials, and slides, and load and program imagers, stainers, and other equipment.
• Generate and attach labels to specimens according to established test requirements.
• Verify patient identification to ensure specimen integrity.
• Assign accession numbers and process specimens according to protocol.
• Prepare specimens for reference laboratories and record incoming results on appropriate logs.
• Perform special processing of selected specimens, such as acid washing, cell blocking, and decalcification, according to established guidelines.
• Maintain specimen, send-out, and special-procedure logs and worksheets; enter workload data and patient demographics accurately into the laboratory computer system; detect and correct errors according to policy and quality standards.
• Keep work areas neat and clean, stock storage areas, inventory supplies, clean equipment and small instruments, and perform simple equipment inspections and maintenance.
• Conduct routine equipment quality-control checks, such as recording temperatures, and report unusual findings to a supervisor or lead designee.
• Prepare solutions and reagents according to established guidelines.
• Perform clerical duties, including answering telephones, scheduling, maintaining records, responding to inquiries, communicating with external staff or sources, and relaying messages.
• Check organizational communications daily, including Outlook, laboratory software, and posted notices.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Serve as in-charge designee when the group leader or supervisor is absent.
• Act as a resource to Lab Assistants, assist with specimen processing, and answer questions about laboratory policies and procedures.
• 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 flexible spending accounts.
• Employee Assistance program.
• Employee discount program.
• Voluntary pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare, and auto and home insurance.

What This Job Offers

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