Clinical Lab Assistant I

JOB SUMMARY

The Clinical Lab Assistant II performs various functions in the Clinical lab related to data entry, specimen handling, centrifuging, pouring off and preparing specimens for testing, preparing peripheral smears by automated methods, loading bar-coded specimens on analyzers, automated process of sorting, decapping, aliquotting and archiving specimens and assisting Clinical Supervisors/Managers in the day to day operation of the laboratory as necessary.

Microbiology specific duties assigned are for staining smears by automated methods, loading primary barcoded specimens onto automation for analysis by a licensed individual, and primary inoculations of microbiology specimens.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for department specimen receiving of FastTrack specimens within established productivity metrics.
• Performs loading and unloading of specimens on automated instrumentation within state guidelines.
• Perform clinical pending specimen logs to account for missing physical specimens within the department.
• Performs physical retrieval of specimens found from pending log review.
• Performs basic understanding and usage of specimen registration (accessioning) of specimens for department testing.
• Handle specialty specimens including assembling specimen folders, printing labels, sorting samples by department, filling out paperwork for add-on testing and sending out samples for reference testing.
• Responsible for maintaining and reviewing pending lists and ensuring fulfillment of referral testing TAT's.
• Collect information related to client inquiries/complaints and communicate to Client Services Representative for follow-up and response.
• Receive inbound calls from physicians, laboratories, nurses, clients, sales reps, clinics, and hospitals and directs those calls to appropriate personnel and communicate with clients, as necessary.
• Handle difficult calls tactfully, courteously, and professionally.
• Routine clerical duties including filing, faxing, inventory of supplies for the various departments, receiving and distributing mail.
• Responsible for accurately capturing computer images for using software.
• Perform data entry concerning patient demographics information and imaging as assigned.
• Must perform within the productivity expectations as set forth by current departmental guidelines.
• Transport and help maintain organization of documentation stored off-site. Review retention times and dispose of appropriate pieces of documentation when retention times are met.
• Exercise all laboratory safety precautions and adhere to lab procedures as stated in procedure manuals.
• Perform all job responsibilities in alignment with the industry's best security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information and other sensitive company data.
• Must be familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all Corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries.
• Nothing in the job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION & LICENSURE

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Preferred prior knowledge of laboratory testing and specimen processing.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one year of previous health care environment job-related experience is preferred.
• Strong aptitude for pattern recognition is required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology preferred.