Medical Laboratory Assistant I

About the Job

This is an evening shift role, working hours are 3pm - 11:30pm, 28 hours per week including weekend rotation.

General Summary of Position

Responsible for collecting, receiving, logging, and processing patient specimens. Ensures accuracy in specimen collection and labeling, processes specimens appropriately, and sends specimens to the appropriate laboratory sections. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Greets each patient and family member in a courteous manner. Educates patients and family members about the procedures to be performed. Ensures proper patient identification for accurate labeling, collection, and processing of laboratory specimens. Performs all specimen collection techniques, including venipuncture and fingersticks, accurately and in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). Labels all patient specimens and barcoded order requisitions with initials and collection times. Verifies orders in the computer system upon arrival in the laboratory.
• Provides nursing personnel and physician offices with verbal test results and pathology reports, referring any problems directly to the supervisor. Mails and faxes laboratory reports to physician offices as necessary.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date laboratory files, making every effort to complete all filing generated during the assigned shift. Locates and retrieves information from files as requested. Coordinates daily courier service requests for PKU specimen transport through the online ordering system. Performs weekly quality control checks of laboratory eyewash stations as assigned.
• Adheres to all safety protocols, including standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and other infection control policies.
• Works efficiently and organizes tasks during periods of heavy workload to expedite patient results. Follows proper procedures for blood culture collection and maintains a blood culture contamination rate below 3%. Consistently reviews the uncollected specimen list and resolves problems associated with order errors.
• Receives specimens for testing and verifies label accuracy, requested procedures, and testing requirements. Determines specimen sufficiency and quality, logs specimens into the system, and processes them appropriately for delivery to the designated laboratory sections.
• Completes specimen processing tasks independently, without supervisor or director review, unless otherwise specified and documented in the competency assessment or testing procedure. Enters required information into the computer system, including collection and receipt times, procedures, patient identification, and other relevant data. Completes patient registrations and enters orders as required. Notifies the supervisor or appropriate laboratory or nursing personnel when specimens are damaged, contaminated, or otherwise unsuitable for testing. Coordinates testing that can be performed using the existing specimen or arranges for the collection of a new specimen, as appropriate. Prioritizes specimens and promptly transports them to the appropriate laboratory sections. Interacts with medical personnel and contractors to answer routine questions and obtain or clarify information.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work environment. Follows all safety and regulatory procedures for the assigned laboratory. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment as required.
• Greets all laboratory visitors promptly and professionally, demonstrating excellent customer service skills. Responds to inquiries, whether in person or by telephone, from hospital and medical personnel. Refers nonroutine questions to the appropriate individual or supervisor. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of hospital and laboratory information systems and computer applications.
• Identifies personal learning needs and takes initiative to address educational and professional development opportunities. Attends hospital-sponsored training programs as required by the department. Completes all mandatory training, certifications, licensure requirements, and competency assessments within established time frames, including PPD, age-specific competencies, and other required assessments.
• Maintains awareness of changes in laboratory procedures and protocols. Attends departmental meetings as required or reviews and initials meeting minutes within the specified time frame when unable to attend. Demonstrates a constructive and professional approach when interacting with staff, supervisors, and managers, both within and outside the department. Participates in interdepartmental teams and committees, sharing relevant departmental knowledge as appropriate. Communicates information and knowledge gained through participation in these teams and committees to the department or unit.
• Assists with ongoing inventory control of blood collection supplies in the phlebotomy area. Rotates inventory to ensure older stock is used first. Receives incoming supplies and places them in the appropriate storage locations. Cleans and sanitizes phlebotomy and specimen processing areas.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of phlebotomy coursework required.

Experience

• Previous experience in a high-volume outpatient laboratory or inpatient setting preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification preferred.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or equivalent Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Proficiency in basic to intermediate computer skills, including data entry and specimen verification.
• Experience using computerized laboratory information systems.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with HIPAA policies and patient confidentiality requirements.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $19.55 - USD $34.25 /Hr.