Technical Assistant

HNL Lab Medicine•Allentown, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Assistant processes and prepares specimens for transport and/or analysis and may perform technical duties involving simple quality control and waived-level testing under the direct supervision of a technologist. The role performs department-designated testing with limited independent judgment, follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and enters test results into the Laboratory Information System. Duties may vary by department and include specialized responsibilities in Toxicology/ACL or Pathology/Histology/Cytology.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in a clinical environment involving data processing and specimen handling.
Graduate of a health/medical assistant or similar training program at an accredited institution where general laboratory technique is taught.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English and write simple correspondence in English.
Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations to customers, clients, and other employees.
Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to follow detailed but straightforward written or oral instructions and address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Accuracy and attention to detail in performing all duties.
Ability to use a Laboratory Information System and other software programs.
No certifications are needed.

Responsibilities

Perform CLIA-waived laboratory testing under direct supervision of a technologist and enter results into the Laboratory Information System.
Complete work accurately according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Prioritize and reorganize work in response to STAT and emergency requests.
Follow department procedures for specimen handling and abnormal critical values, and communicate with customers as appropriate.
Assist with basic technical duties related to simple quality control and notify a technologist of discrepancies.
Calibrate pipettes and thermometers accurately and record the data according to SOPs.
Prepare reagents and controls for specimen testing according to SOPs.
Prepare and/or collect blood, urine, feces, and other body-fluid specimens for analysis, including accurate labeling.
Inventory and maintain supplies, restock shelves when appropriate, and notify a technologist of shortages.
Participate in Continuous System Improvement and continuing education programs.
Assist in training and orienting new staff members and provide regulatory documentation.
Perform pending logs and investigate problem specimens.
Dispose of specimens and chemicals according to department guidelines.
In Toxicology/ACL, handle forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines, and handle legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas.
In Pathology/Histology/Cytology, retrieve specimens from LVHN hospital units and coordinate send-outs for reference-lab testing of specimens, slides, and/or blocks.
In Pathology/Histology/Cytology, perform frozen-section staining and slide preparation.