Technical Assistant

HNL Lab Medicine•Allentown, PA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Assistant processes and prepares specimens for transport and/or analysis and may perform simple quality-control and CLIA-waived testing duties under the direct supervision of a technologist. Testing is designated by department and involves limited independent judgment. The position follows standard operating procedures (SOPs), enters test results into the Laboratory Information System, and helps ensure accurate specimen handling, preparation, and documentation. The role may support Toxicology/ACL or Pathology/Histology/Cytology functions. Toxicology/ACL duties include handling forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports in accordance with forensic testing guidelines, as well as handling legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas. Pathology/Histology/Cytology duties include retrieving specimens from LVHN hospital units, coordinating send-outs to reference laboratories, and performing frozen-section staining and slide preparation. The position is onsite at HNL-Roble, 794 Roble Rd. The work schedule is Monday, with variable day-shift hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in a clinical environment involving data processing and specimen handling.
Graduate of an accredited health/medical assistant or similar training program 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.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and to 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.

Responsibilities

Perform designated CLIA-waived laboratory testing under the direct supervision of a technologist 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 accordingly.
Assist with basic technical duties related to simple quality control and notify a technologist of discrepancies.
Calibrate pipettes and thermometers accurately, recording 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 adequate 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 members and provide regulatory documentation.
Perform pending logs and investigate problem specimens.
Dispose of specimens and chemicals according to department guidelines.
For Toxicology/ACL duties, handle forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines, and handle legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas.
For Pathology/Histology/Cytology duties, retrieve specimens from LVHN hospital units, send specimens, slides, and/or blocks to reference laboratories, and perform frozen-section staining and slide preparation.