Laboratory Assistant

About the role

Texas Oncology is the largest community oncology provider in the country with approximately 600+ providers in 220+ sites across Texas and southeastern Oklahoma. The Lab Assistant supports the Dallas Sammons Cancer Center location. This position will be classified as Level 1, Level 2, or Senior based on candidate experience.

Under direct supervision, the Lab Assistant is responsible for collecting and processing specimens from patients, documenting results according to established procedures, assisting with specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures, following quality assurance and safety policies, assisting with patient flow, properly identifying patients, drawing blood samples, maintaining collection areas and equipment, performing record keeping duties, working within clearly defined standard operating procedures and scientific methods, and adhering to quality guidelines.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm; no weekends, call, or major holidays.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term disability coverage
• Generous PTO program
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Wellness program rewarding healthy lifestyle practices
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on various retailers

Responsibilities

• Collects appropriate specimens from patients as ordered
• Maintains proper documentation per quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists
• Performs specimen analysis of all chemistry, hematology, immunology specimens as directed
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures all supplies are viable before use in patient testing
• Preps patients as necessary (e.g., taking vital signs)
• Assists with testing procedures according to procedure guidelines
• Sends specimens to reference laboratories for testing not performed in-house
• Processes incoming orders for lab testing
• Processes in-house and incoming results for charting
• Charts patient results in a timely manner
• Updates and files all daily paperwork, lab logs and maintenance logs
• Arranges for transfusion of blood products when ordered by physician
• Operates designated laboratory equipment as directed
• Uses equipment effectively, skillfully and efficiently
• Maintains equipment and work area as directed
• Performs testing under CLIA guidelines for personnel
• Performs daily, weekly and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated
• Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrators, and reagents
• Identifies troubleshooting procedures and calls technical services as needed
• Implements and complies with safety and quality assurance standards
• Complies with regulatory agency standards
• Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures
• Properly disposes of hazardous materials
• Maintains a clean working environment and restocks the laboratory area as needed
• Performs phlebotomy and sample collection procedures as needed
• Maintains confidentiality of all information related to patients and medical staff
• Responsible for performing CLIA Waived or Moderately complexity testing under close supervision

Qualifications

Level 1: High School diploma or equivalent required. Entry level, no experience required. Phlebotomy experience preferred. Lab specimen processing and waived testing preferred.

Level 2 (in addition to Level 1 requirements): Minimum three years laboratory experience.

Senior (in addition to Level 1 and 2 requirements): Minimum five years laboratory experience.

Physical demands

Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination in operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods with use of hands to finger, handle, or feel and arms to reach or carry. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work environment

Regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood/body fluids, chemotherapeutic agents, or transmittable infections. Direct contact with corrosive chemicals, infectious agents, handling glassware, needles and open flames. Reasonable accommodations will be offered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.