Laboratory Assistant I

About the role

The Lab Assistant will provide a wide range of laboratory services including specimen collection, client service and reception desk duties, ordering/scheduling/billing functions, laboratory testing, phlebotomy, dispatching, specimen processing, centrifuging, delivery of specimens to appropriate lab/department, and assuring proper efficiency and workflow management. This position will also serve as a resource for questions from hospital and clinic staff regarding specimen handling and processing.

Responsibilities

• Models and promotes organizational behaviors and provides feedback to staff and manager.
• Serves as a customer liaison and champion for the Laboratory, promoting positive problem resolution.
• Communicates effectively with lab teams through email, huddles, rounding, and meetings.
• Processes laboratory specimens, including centrifuging, pipetting, labeling, and aliquoting.
• Performs patient phlebotomy on patients of all ages, ensuring correct patient identification.
• Handles patient reception and registration duties, including ordering, in accordance with policies.
• Uses pneumatic tube system for specimen receipt and blood component distribution.
• Delivers specimens to appropriate departments and loads them onto automated sample management systems.
• Monitors, identifies, and resolves conflicts in phlebotomy and specimen processing services.
• Performs a limited menu of waived laboratory tests.
• Attends and completes all mandatory training and competency testing.
• Participates in performance appraisals using the automated electronic system.
• May be required to drive to patient or client locations as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong customer service skills and ability to work independently.
• Good problem-solving skills and knowledge of age-related growth and development principles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet time-sensitive customer requests.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a medical-related field or an applied science degree.
• One year of hospital experience preferred.
• ASCP certification for phlebotomy preferred.

Organizational Expectations

• Complies with safety instructions and observes safe work practices.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance.
• Protects confidentiality and supports the organization’s Corporate Integrity Program.
• Timely completion of all mandatory education and organizational requirements.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and handling/fingering (includes typing and computer work).
• Occasional sitting, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently.

Hazard Assessment for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Working with sharp cutting devices: Requires cut-resistant gloves.
• Working with liquid chemicals, acids, or caustics: Requires goggles, chemical face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, lab coat, and closed-toe shoes.
• Exposure to extreme heat or cold: Requires heat-resistant or cryogenic gloves, goggles, and face shield.
• Driving or riding in motorized vehicles: Requires seat belt use and prohibits texting while driving.
• Working in wet or slippery conditions: Requires slip-resistant shoes or rubber boots.
• Handling hazardous drugs: Requires gloves, disposable barrier gown, goggles, N95/PAPR, and ventilation hood.