Senior Lab Assistant - Anatomic Pathology

Tenet Healthcare • Detroit, MI

20h

About The Position

The Senior Lab Assistant works under general supervision and follows specific, detailed procedures to perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks in assigned areas of Anatomic Pathology. The role handles specimens using specialized, semi-technical techniques; compiles, verifies, and enters information with attention to detail; assists with staff training and routine troubleshooting; and may serve as the in-charge designee when requested. The position interacts with healthcare professionals, responds to routine inquiries, and maintains work areas, instruments, and supplies. It supports DMC values and a high-reliability culture focused on safety, service, community welfare, excellence, respect, integrity, accountability, innovation, teamwork, and effective resource use.

DMC University Laboratories is a regional integrated laboratory system serving Detroit Medical Center hospitals and other healthcare organizations. The position performs specimen-processing and laboratory support activities in this environment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education required.
• Three years of experience in specimen processing and/or a pathology laboratory environment.
• Ability to perform specimen-processing tasks using specialized techniques and follow detailed procedures.
• Attention to detail in processing, verifying, documenting, and entering specimen and patient information.

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 in training staff on Anatomic Pathology and specimen-processing policies and procedures.
• Help troubleshoot routine or moderately complex processing and Anatomic Pathology issues.
• Follow departmental safety procedures and OSHA guidelines, including use of applicable personal protective equipment.
• Prioritize incoming specimens and process them using specialized techniques; promptly process stat and other critical specimens, 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, and cytology-processing areas, and ensure equipment is operational.
• Collaborate with staff and Pathologists on Anatomic Pathology processes; label specimens, vials, and slides and operate appropriate equipment such as imagers and stainers.
• Generate and attach specimen labels 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 wash, cell block, and decalcification, according to established guidelines.
• Maintain specimen, send-out, and special-procedure logs and worksheets; enter workload and patient demographic data accurately, detecting and correcting errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards.
• Keep work areas clean and organized, stock and 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 phones, 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 by assisting with specimen processing and answering 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 benefits including 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