Medical Laboratory Assistant 1

About the Role

The Medical Laboratory Assistant I is responsible for processing, organizing, labeling, and transporting specimens for laboratory testing. Duties include inputting and extracting data from the Laboratory Information System and performing clerical tasks such as answering phones and filing documents.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent education (e.g., GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education)
• Previous experience in a laboratory preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing evaluations (skills, competency assessments, and/or performance reviews)
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team, ensuring excellent customer service for patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers
• Strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload while maintaining accuracy
• Working knowledge of specimen requirements for testing, processing, and proper waste disposal
• Basic computer knowledge to operate multiple systems, including Office software for maintaining patient and testing records
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions, particularly regarding patient or employee safety
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and coworkers in a customer-service-focused manner

Responsibilities

People

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information

Service

• Prepares specimens for courier pickup and delivery to referral labs as necessary
• Communicates with laboratory personnel regarding specimen transport needs
• Performs various Laboratory Information System functions
• Files requisitions, reports, and other pathology materials appropriately
• Answers telephones and directs requests for result delivery to physician offices
• Organizes workload, sets priorities, and keeps work area neat and well-stocked
• Utilizes work time efficiently by assisting others and performing additional tasks

Quality/Safety

• Receives, triages, orders, labels, and transports specimens for laboratory testing
• Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for in-house and referral lab testing
• Handles STAT samples expeditiously
• Assists pathologists and/or laboratory personnel with specimen grossing as needed
• Identifies and resolves basic problems (e.g., mislabels, incorrect tube types)
• Operates automated instrumentation following all safety measures
• Performs and documents processing equipment maintenance
• Maintains a safe laboratory environment, adhering to policies for safety, hazardous materials, security, and emergency preparedness

Finance

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs
• Appropriately utilizes the time recording system
• Uses department resources, equipment, and supplies efficiently

Growth/Innovation

• Participates in departmental projects and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire: Scrubs (or other department-approved attire)
• On-Call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather events)
• Travel: May require travel within or outside the Houston Metropolitan area