LAB ASSISTANT NON LICENSED - MICROBIOLOGY

Under direct supervision of a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) and/or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), the Lab Assistant (Non-Licensed) receives processes and distributes laboratory specimens for in-house testing. Communicates in house testing results with our customers as well as inter and intra department as needed. The Lab Assistant is responsible for specimen verification and processing. Performs and documents quality control and equipment maintenance ordering of supplies and preparing urine containers for 24 hour collection. He/she maintains current knowledge of departmental updates and policies and procedures. Participates in quality improvement activities for departmental and section specific processes.Uses initiative to resolve problems with appropriate action and follow through, including documentation in the Laboratories error tracking system. Participates in the training of new employees, and offers guidance, assistance and direction to less experienced personnel.
Essential Functions:

• Identifies patient samples by strict adherence to established procedures; labels samples accurately and completely.
• Demonstrates an understanding of laboratory tests, instruments and supplies.
• Transports, labels, records, distributes, preserves, stores or disposes specimens appropriately. Prepares solutions/reagents as needed.
• Assists in the preparation of specimens for testing and/or shipping. Operates selected laboratory equipment under supervision.
• Cleans and/ or sterilizes instruments, working areas, supplies according to hospital policies. Maintains and orders supplies to keep materials on hand at all times. Checks package integrity and expiration dates for sterile supplies; Disposes contaminated material in accordance with hospital policy.
• Assists with maintenance of department equipment.
• Assists in maintaining laboratory records, including but not limited to the documentation of ordering, performing and reporting of laboratory tests.
• Responsible for data entry, specimen receipt, registration and billing verification.
• Actively participates in all department quality control measures if applicable. Takes appropriate action when corrections are indicated.
• Develops and maintains a professional working relationship with the entire care team as well as patients and their families. Communicates with courtesy, accuracy, and reverence for confidentiality.
• Maintains competence. Actively participates in continuing education programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• High school graduate or equivalence
• Demonstrates effective communication, interpersonal skills, organizational ability, knowledge of proper body mechanics, safety measures and infection control, ability to follow instructions, knowledge of section specific test information and instrumentation may be required

Job Preference(s):

• Knowledge of medical terminology