Clinical Lab Aide

About the role

The Laboratory Aide performs various technical and clerical functions under the supervision of a qualified technical employee. Duties may include order entry, specimen processing, instrument preparation, delivery, storage and retrieval activities. The standard of ethical and professional performance must be consistent with established medical laboratory practice.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, processes and accessions specimens for testing procedures.
• Assists technical personnel with pre and post analytical duties.
• Answering telephones, communication and documentation.
• Department/instrument maintenance duties.
• Supply management.
• Maintain department conditions.
• Manage sample storage.
• Miscellaneous duties as needed for test preparation and completion.
• Registers specimens following all the Patient Access department protocols.
• Orders tests in LIS/CoPath systems, processes samples accurately and efficiently to ensure specimen integrity and identity.
• Receives specimens in the laboratory information system and distributes specimens to various departments for testing.
• Retrieves specimens from storage for add on or repeat testing.
• Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation, and peer feedback for patients ranging in age from birth to 100+ years.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education: HIGH. Education Specialization: Essential. Physical/Mental Requirements: exposure to stressful situations including public contact, trauma, grief and death; ability to wear personal protective equipment (latex or substitute); ability to move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device and perform job functions; overall vision and hearing necessary with or without assisted devices; frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods; may require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching; some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material; must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required; ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, maintain regular and predictable attendance, and stay awake; overall dexterity required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling, with possible repetition on a regular to frequent basis; Physical Demand Level: Light – occasional (0‑33% of workday) lift/carry 11‑20 lbs., frequent (34‑66% of workday) lift/carry 10 lbs., and/or walk/stand/push/pull of arm/leg controls.

Qualifications

• Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology‑driven organization; employees must demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows.
• May be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
• Six (6) months experience in a clinical or microbiology laboratory and/or one (1) year experience in handling biological specimens preferred.
• Medical terminology, knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and protocols preferred.
• Knowledge of MISYS LIS, HIS and admitting policies and procedures preferred.
• Job shadow in Microbiology and/or Histology may be required commensurate to experience in either department.