Laboratory Assistant II

About the role

The Laboratory Assistant performs specimen receiving and processing duties, registers patients, enters orders in the computer system, centrifuges specimens, labels and aliquots samples, delivers to test sites, and stores samples, slides, and blocks.

Responsibilities

• Provides support in patient registration, third-party reimbursement requirements, and regulations.
• Maintains department supplies and customer supply orders.
• Demonstrates knowledge of specimen collection and handling requirements.
• Performs all departmental functions, including downtime functions, specimen processing, transportation, billing, reference testing, and scheduling.
• Maintains positive customer service relationships and proactively responds to customer service issues.
• Processes pathology specimens as appropriate.
• Trains staff as required.
• Works flexible hours to meet departmental needs.
• Assists in maintaining and cleaning laboratory equipment, such as refrigerators and centrifuges.
• Follows established policies and procedures to meet regulatory and accrediting agency requirements.
• Maintains compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Documents specimen quality issues.
• Adheres to infection control and safety practices, maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient records, hospital, and departmental matters.
• Performs filing of reports and requisitions.
• Assists with charting and report distribution via telephone, fax, or other appropriate methods.
• Reads and understands a physician's laboratory test order.
• Schedules pathologists, histotechnicians, or transportation representatives as needed.
• Assists with bone marrow collection and processing.
• May perform phlebotomy if competency is approved and on file.
• Participates actively in the laboratory Quality Improvement Program.
• Maximizes productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency.
• Two (2) years of laboratory experience or patient care experience.
• Current student seeking a higher educational degree or certification in a science field (e.g., nursing, medical technology, pre-med, or related clinical field) may substitute up to two years of the required experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with all team members and respond to customer phone calls.
• Ability to maintain reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with policies and regulatory standards.