MED OFFICE LAB ASSISTANT

Covenant Health Oncology Group is part of the region’s largest cancer-fighting network, with more imaging centers, more board-certified physicians and surgeons, and more cancer and radiation centers closer to where you call home. All Covenant Oncology Group practices are committed to excellence and ongoing quality improvement. The group is a leader in medical oncology services and provides patients access to all proven, drug-based treatments and the latest clinical trial medicines.

About the role

The Medical Office Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing venipunctures and processing clinical laboratory specimens for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by physicians and advanced practitioners. The individual will also perform test analyses, report results, and maintain patient records for waived and moderately complex clinical laboratory testing validated for performance at their specific physician office laboratory (POL). Testing may be referred to a reference laboratory when policies deem appropriate. The role includes registering patient accounts, ensuring proper patient identification and billing accuracy, and assisting with patient account and billing troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Direct, escort, and/or provide wheelchair assistance to patients upon entering and exiting the laboratory.
• Collect venous blood samples following collection procedures, using two unique patient identifiers at specimen collection.
• Accurately label all specimens, including proper use of the referring hospital’s Blood Bank identification system and placement of Blood Bank armbands on patients.
• Use aseptic technique when collecting blood culture specimens.
• Provide patients with supplies and collection instructions for specimens collected directly by patients (e.g., 24-hour urines, fecal hemoccult cards).
• Process and handle all specimens according to procedures, including centrifugation, separation/distribution of shared specimens, and tracking for transport to off-site reference labs.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (e.g., thermometers, centrifuges, printers, fax/copy machines).
• Notify the laboratory manager when equipment requires repair or replacement and document maintenance and corrective actions.
• Adhere to quality control policies, document activities, and complete maintenance logs for review by the Laboratory Manager.
• Reconstitute and mix calibrators, quality controls, reagents, and linearity kits per manufacturer instructions.
• Perform parallel testing of new lots and/or shipments of materials as indicated by laboratory policy.
• Perform high-quality laboratory testing with speed and accuracy, documenting patient results and evaluating specimen quality.
• Evaluate patient results to determine validity and decide if reference laboratory validation testing is needed.
• Identify and correct problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of results.
• Participate in an outside proficiency testing program and maintain performance records.
• Assist the Laboratory Manager in instrument validations, linearity studies, and investigatory work.
• Serve as a resource to Genetic Testing and Clinical Trials departments when needed.
• Communicate with reference labs regarding incomplete test orders, required specimen types, and quality metrics.
• Maintain and disinfect work areas, use standard precautions, and handle biohazard waste safely.
• Utilize EMR to manage patient schedules, test orders, and results, and monitor incomplete testing and collection lists.
• Plan work to maximize productivity and minimize overtime while communicating relevant information to staff.
• Demonstrate competence in using HIS, LIS, registration, scheduling, and reference lab computer systems (e.g., Mayo, STAR, Cerner, LabDaq).
• Monitor proper expiration, rotation, and supply of inventory, ordering as needed.
• Assume responsibility for the area in the absence of the Laboratory Manager.
• Participate in department meetings and communicate professionally with patients, physicians, visitors, and staff.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new and existing employees.
• Perform local travel as required.
• Follow policies, procedures, and safety standards, completing required education assignments annually.
• Work toward achieving goals and objectives and participate in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Basic computer skills, medical terminology, registration, and phlebotomy skills or equivalent combination of clinical/clerical skills.
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license and state-mandated minimum insurance coverage.
• Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.

Schedule

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift