Lab Asst - Puxico Medical Clinic

Job Summary

The Lab Assistant performs supportive laboratory duties, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, equipment maintenance, inventory management, and quality control assistance. This role ensures the laboratory operates efficiently by assisting with diagnostic procedures, maintaining safety protocols, and supporting laboratory staff in routine testing and analysis.

Essential Functions

• Assists laboratory staff in performing routine tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, following proper laboratory protocols.
• Prepares and processes specimens, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and transport according to laboratory procedures.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring it is in good working order, reporting malfunctions, and assisting with routine troubleshooting.
• Performs venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks on patients of all ages in accordance with the laboratory policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with safety and infection control standards, including proper handling of biohazardous materials and chemical reagents.
• Logs lab procedures and specimen information into the laboratory information system (LIS), ensuring accuracy and compliance with documentation protocols.
• Performs quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) tasks, assisting in documentation and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Stocks laboratory supplies and maintains inventory, ensuring necessary materials are available for daily operations.
• Cleans and disinfects work surfaces, equipment, and laboratory spaces, ensuring compliance with safety and infection control guidelines.
• Affixes to data collection and performance improvement projects, actively participating in process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers, laboratory staff, and other departments to ensure efficient specimen processing and workflow.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of a laboratory assistant training or phlebotomy program or training course required or A combination of education and experience (i.e., 1-2 years) as a phlebotomist may be considered in lieu of program completion
• 0-2 years of experience in a laboratory, healthcare, or clinical setting required
• Experience with specimen processing, laboratory equipment, and quality control procedures preferred
• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and medical terminology
• Ability to operate basic laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, ensuring timely completion of laboratory support tasks
• Effective communication skills for interacting with laboratory staff, healthcare providers, and patients
• Attention to detail and ability to follow safety protocols, HIPAA regulations, and laboratory compliance standards
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records (EMR)