Laboratory Assistant I

Position Summary

The Laboratory Assistant I is responsible for clerical processing and performance of select routine laboratory tests used in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

- Responsible for serving as patient advocate and provider clinical and technical support.

- Responsible for processing patient specimens appropriately to ensure accurate test results.

- Ensure out-sourced labs receive correct patient billing data.

- Performs selected patient tests with attention to precision, accuracy and validity.

- Ensure outgoing results are accurate and reach providers in a timely manner.

- Performs selected quality control checks as outlined in policies and procedures.

- Performs selected maintenance and calibrations as required by manufacturer and CLIA requirements.

- Responsible for select charge entry for lab testing as outlined by the Manager or Laboratory Services Manager.

- Maintains all required documentation to fulfill COLA/CLIA/OSHA and TPMG requirements.

- Communicates with clients (physician office staff and providers) to ensure appropriate specimen collection, handling, transport, and result return.

- Participates in and provides evidence of laboratory related continuing education.

- Successfully participates in proficiency and competency assessments.

- Functions in a multi-disciplinary environment, which requires the application of excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

- Maintains confidentiality of written or verbal medical information.

- All other duties as requested by the Manager.

Compensation starts at $16.00 per hour, with the final hourly rate determined by the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Knowledge of laboratory collection and testing techniques for routine laboratory tests.

- Knowledge of laboratory ordering and specimen processing to ensure accurate test results.

- Knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing to operate, maintain and sterilize.

- Knowledge of appropriate medical terminology to communicate with laboratory and medical staff.

- Knowledge of OSHA and safety processes.

- Skill in reviewing requisitions for completeness and appropriate routing.

- Skill in reviewing specimens for appropriate labeling.

- Skill in routing specimens to reference laboratories when appropriate.

- Skill in operating a variety of laboratory instrumentation.

- Skill in preparing accurate reports concerning the results of laboratory tests.

- Skill in communicating clearly with diverse publics.

- Ability to work scheduled hours as defined in the job offer.

- Ability to follow quality control procedures and guidelines to include documentation and evaluation of results.

- Ability to perform waived testing according to established procedures and processes.

- Ability and willingness to maintain, troubleshoot and operate office and laboratory equipment as outlined in policies and procedures to include arranging for repair as necessary.

- Ability to document reagent and other checks according to policies and procedures.

- Ability to determine correct routing of specimens for tests ordered and insurance requirements.

- Ability to manage supply inventory appropriately and communicate shortages as required.

- Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public.

- Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions and follow written protocols.

- Ability to work independently.

Education / Training / Requirements

- High school diploma and or equivalent.

- One year experience in a medical laboratory environment preferred (or)

- Certificate of completion from an accredited laboratory training program (or)

- Transferable skills (e.g., 1 year or more in an armed forces medical laboratory setting) (and)

- Required to demonstrate competencies of the position within 2 weeks of hire

Physical Demands

- Ability to distinguish between all colors.

- Ability to stand and walk for limited periods of time.

- Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

- Ability to climb or balance for limited periods of time.

- Ability to occasionally reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 30 lbs. *

- Ability to grasp and hold up to 25 lbs.*

- Ability to hear normal voice level communications in person or through the telephone.

- Ability to speak clearly and understandably.

- Ability to smell.

Success Factors

- Alignment with Company Mission and Core Values

- Excellent Time Management/Organized

- Open Communication/Positive

- Goal Driven

- Excellent Customer Service

- Juggles Multiple Priorities

- Accuracy and Attention to Detail

All statements are essential functions of the position unless identified as non-essential by an asterisk (*).