CLINICAL LAB ASSISTANT

 Job Summary/Overall Objectives

Assists technical staff in the preparation, processing, handling and tracking of laboratory specimens. Competent in general laboratory support services such as computer system order entry, registration of patients, procurement and handling of specimens and orders.  May work in clinical lab, cytology and microbiology. 

 Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrate competency in appropriate computer system functions
  • Assures accuracy of patient specimen identification, data entry, and transcription of information.
  • seeks resolution of questionable information in a timely manner
  • utilizes effectively order entry system to place requests for supplies and services and aid in trouble shooting
  • ensures continuity of communication from physician orders through to resulting
  • monitors various reports to track specimens and/or results
  • retrieves information in an efficient manner providing timely resolution to inquires
  • Maintains a general understanding of the HIS-LIS exchange of information and the overall information requirements to ensure accurate completion of communication transactions.
• Responsible for receipt and pre-analytic examination of patient specimens
  • verifies the correct identification of patient specimens and laboratory orders
  • accessions patient specimens and orders accurately and completely to ensure successful and timely progression of testing
  • labels specimens according to departmental policy to ensure correct specimen identification through processing to reporting of results
  • maintains knowledge of current specimen requirements to assess basic specimen integrity
  • forwards specimens to appropriate laboratory sections in a timely manner to maintain departmental efficiency
• Prepares and processes laboratory specimens appropriately to ensure specimen integrity through the pre-analytic phase and post-analytic phase.
• Plans and utilizes time effectively and efficiently to maintain optimal testing turnaround time
  • uses time to departmental advantage by filling in with office work, assisting technical staff, performing general housekeeping duties, putting away supplies, or performing other duties as necessary
  • demonstrates ability to deal with changes in priorities to provide smooth and consistent workflow
• Maintains operational readiness of work area to ensure continuity of operations
  • organizes records/reports to enable timely retrieval of information
  • facilitates distribution of supplies and information between hospital employees and physician offices
  • assures work area is organized, stocked and clean
• Interacts with various health care professionals to obtain or exchange information to expedite laboratory services.
  • retrieves requested information in a timely manner
  • effectively communicates specimen collection requirements as requested
  • handles telephone communications with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality
  • seeks guidance or asks for assistance from appropriate personnel regarding unusual requests or problems
  • effectively communicates and/or obtains documentation for continuity of workflow
• Compliance with all established guidelines as documented in technical policies and procedures as related, but not limited to:
  • quality control
  • quality assurance
  • record retention
  • requisitions and orders
  • billing
  • biohazard waste management
  • safety
  • specimen packaging and shipping.
• Actively begins breath alcohol training and urine drug screen training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
• Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Experience as a lab assistant.
• Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving position or enrolled in an appropriate clinical Laboratory program.
• Experience in a specimen receiving position.
• Experience as phlebotomist.
• Experience handling patient specimens.
• College/Technical school experience with laboratory specimens
• Core course completion in a Biological Science, or related field
• Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

 Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

 This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.