Lab Assistant Jobs

About The Position

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 to customers, clients, and other employees.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rates, ratios, and percentages; and draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to follow detailed but uncomplicated 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 CLIA-waived laboratory testing under a technologist’s direct supervision and enter results into the Laboratory Information System.
• Complete work accurately according to SOPs and prioritize or reorganize work to respond to STAT and emergency requests.
• Follow department SOPs for specimen handling and abnormal or 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 and record calibration data according to SOPs.
• Prepare reagents and controls for specimen testing according to SOPs.
• Prepare and/or collect specimens, including blood, urine, feces, and other body fluids, for analysis and label them accurately.
• Inventory and maintain supplies, restock shelves as appropriate, and notify a technologist of shortages.
• Participate in Continuous System Improvement (CSI) and continuing education programs.
• Assist in training and orienting new staff 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; coordinate send-outs for reference-lab testing of specimens, slides, and/or blocks; and perform frozen-section staining and slide preparation.