Technical Assistant

HNL Lab Medicine•Allentown, PA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Assistant processes and prepares specimens for transport and/or analysis. Under the direct supervision of a technologist, the position may perform basic quality-control duties and designated CLIA-waived testing, which requires limited independent judgment. The role follows standard operating procedures (SOPs), responds to STAT and emergency requests, and handles specimens, results, supplies, and documentation accurately. The position is based onsite at HNL- Roble, 794 Roble Rd, in the Pathology Gross Room department. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 pm to 12 am. Duties may vary by department and may include forensic toxicology work or pathology, histology, and cytology responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in a clinical environment with data-processing and specimen-handling experience.
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 with customers, clients, and coworkers.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to follow detailed but straightforward written or oral instructions and resolve 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.

Responsibilities

Perform designated CLIA-waived laboratory testing under direct technologist supervision and enter results into the Laboratory Information System.
Complete work accurately according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Prioritize or reorganize work in response to STAT and emergency requests.
Follow department SOPs 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 and record 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 (CSI) and continuing education programs.
Assist with training and orientation of new staff and provide regulatory documentation.
Complete pending logs and investigate problem specimens.
Dispose of specimens and chemicals according to department guidelines.
For Toxicology/ACL assignments, handle forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines, and handle legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas.
For Pathology/Histology/Cytology assignments, retrieve specimens from LVHN hospital units; coordinate reference-lab send-outs for specimens, slides, and/or blocks; and perform frozen-section staining and slide preparation.