Laboratory Assistant - UH Laboratory - University Hospital

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community.

USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provides the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of our community.

Responsibilities

• Specimen Handling & Processing
• Receives and verifies properly labeled, collected, and preserved specimens.
• Accession specimens and document receipt in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or logbooks.
• Centrifuges, aliquots, labels, and distributes specimens to appropriate laboratory sections.
• Stores specimens appropriately (refrigeration/freezer) or prepares them for transport to reference laboratories.
• Prepares packing lists, requisitions, and shipping documentation for send-out specimens.
• Packs and ships specimens to appropriate referral laboratories following required procedures.
• Ensures accurate specimen identification and labeling in compliance with laboratory policy.
• Patient Registration & Test Ordering
• Registers walk-in and drop-in patients; verifies patient identification (name, MRN, FIN).
• Enters and verifies laboratory test orders in LIS and prints specimen labels.
• Receives patients in system using correct client codes.
• Reviews outpatient orders and ensures completeness and accuracy.
• Phlebotomy & Patient Interaction
• Performs blood collection for inpatients and outpatients.
• Provides competent care to all patient populations (neonate through geriatric).
• Utilizes proper body mechanics when assisting or positioning patients.
• Supports and organizes phlebotomy rounds and specimen collection workflow.
• Clerical & Communication Functions
• Answers telephone calls, reads or relays laboratory results as appropriate, and directs inquiries to the correct department.
• Facilitates communication with physicians, patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Provides guidance on specimen collection, test ordering, and lab processes.
• Responds to overhead pages and supports general communication needs.
• Delivers specimen to approbate areas and coordinates workflow.
• Documentation & Reporting
• Maintains accurate and complete laboratory records, including requisitions, reports, and logs.
• Prepares and reviews reports related to specimen collection, duplicate orders, and fax status.
• Files send-out test results and completes charge documentation.
• Documents and reports customer complaints, errors, or discrepancies to supervisors.
• Laboratory Operations Support
• Uses LIS and other computer systems to perform laboratory and clerical functions.
• Utilizes pneumatic tube systems for specimen transport.
• Maintains organized, clean, and efficient work areas.
• Monitors supply inventory and orders replacements as needed.
• Assists with scheduling support staff and managing supplies, as needed.
• Compliance, Safety & Quality
• Adheres to all hospital policies, compliance standards, and confidentiality requirements.
• Follows infection control and safety protocols at all times.
• Ensures quality and accuracy in all processes and documentation.
• Applies cost-effective practices in daily work.
• Training & Teamwork
• Assists in training new staff and students.
• Participates in continuing education and required training programs.
• Works collaboratively with team members to improve workflow and performance.
• Completes assigned duties professionally and cooperatively.
• Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements
• Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards
• Regular and prompt attendance
• Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required
• Related duties as assigned

Additional Information

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent Required
• Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Communication skills, written and verbal MediumCommunication skills, written and verbal Medium
• Organization skills with attention to detail MediumOrganization skills with attention to detail Medium
• Microsoft Office technology; Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint MediumMicrosoft Office technology; Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint Medium

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.