Lab Assistant

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Properly marks the location of testing for each ordered test on the accompanying requisition.
• Ensures the correct specimen is collected for each test ordered, and that the tube types submitted are written in the left margin of the requisition.
• Ensures that the patient’s full name, date/time of collection, and phlebotomist’s number are filled in on the requisition, and that the specimen bar codes (with appropriate letter prefix) are placed on all patient specimens.
• Notifies a facility and fills out appropriate paperwork if a redraw is needed due to: PT & PTT that are QNS; missing or incorrectly spelled name on requisition or specimen; mislabeled accession number and/or name; specimen not received.
• Takes a redraw order from a CLS if any specimen is unsuitable for the test ordered, due to the integrity, quantity and/or suitability of the specimen for the lab test required.
• Scans all patient requisitions into the Filebound program.
• Centrifuges all appropriate specimens for correct times to ensure adequate serum or plasma for required testing.
• Routes in-house specimens to correct lab benches for testing.
• Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab.
• Prepares reference lab coolers correctly, with proper paperwork, and according to federal guidelines for “Biological Substances – Category B.”
• Prepares a copy of the DL requisition for any local reference lab with the DL account number, and tests to be done by this lab clearly marked.
• Notifies Dispatch for the transfer of a cooler sent to the airport or a courier sent to a local reference lab.
• Regularly reviews in-house testing areas for completed specimens so they can electronically store them for any future add-on tests or repeats.

Skills and Experience

• A High School Diploma or equivalent and minimum of 2 months of training in specimen collection if no prior experience noted.
• Proper knowledge of specimen collection appropriate to the test ordered, i.e., requirements for lab test(s).
• Awareness of the factors that influence test results.
• Knowledge of medical (laboratory) terminology helpful.