Medical Lab Assistant

Job Title

Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material.

Works in various areas of the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories.

Duties may include registering patients, ordering tests, collecting samples, and assessing the acceptability of samples for testing.

Processes samples for testing including centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping.

Provides support for clinical testing including preparation of slides, loading instruments, and result reporting. May perform waived and point-of-care testing.

Uphold the values of the organization including providing and demonstrating exemplary customer service skills throughout the pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical processes.

Communicates with hospital nursing service, physicians, procurement agencies, and others regarding testing of laboratory specimens.

Communicates any issues quickly and respectfully.

Reviews patient information and test orders on paper requisitions and computerized test requests.

Operates departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests appropriately; follows up on all specimens with incomplete information or questionable test orders.

Reconciles outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures.

Checks daily logs and summaries for accuracy and cancels tests as authorized.

Verifies complete courier delivery. Enters specimen tracking, laboratory data and patient information in the computer.

Receives specimens appropriately and in a timely manner. Performs proper specimen registration and accessing in the computer, if necessary.

Verifies and monitors all specimens received in laboratory for accurate packaging, labeling, and correct specimen collection requirements and are received appropriately.

Initiates appropriate action or intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed.

Maintains computerized records, resolves and troubleshoots outstanding specimens.

Accurately labels and processes specimens for laboratory testing; ensures preservation of the integrity of each sample prior to distributing.

Processes all samples according to their order priority within the required time frame.

Processes and prepares referral specimens for shipping to reference laboratories.

Takes prompt action to resolve any problem with the registration, collection or processing of all specimens including referral specimen using available procedure manuals or reference materials.

Maintains the stock of commonly used supplies, performing routine inspections of supply levels to ensure adequate availability.

May order supplies. Routinely uses laboratory equipment/instruments.

Performs troubleshooting as necessary, including performing repairs and calling service as needed.

Performs preventative maintenance on equipment and calibrates instruments as required.

Assists in set up and validation of new equipment.

Participates in quality activities and quality improvement initiatives.

Maintains accurate and complete documentation on processes/procedures, patient information, and equipment maintenance, ensuring compliance with all accreditation regulations.

Collects and maintains quality data for reporting.

Observes universal precautions, barrier protection methods and infection control and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions to ensure a safe work environment.

Practices the principles of sterile technique and other infection control policies and standards.

Takes the necessary precautions in keeping with laboratory, organizational and other safety mandates. Escalates issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisory level for resolution.

Assists with onboarding of new staff as requested.

May perform venipuncture as required.

Attends educational in-services and training classes as appropriate.

Works with leader to formulate a plan for professional development.

Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience.

Degree in Biology, Science or related major may be considered in lieu of experience.

Physical Requirements (Medium):

20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.