Clinical Lab Assistant

Clinical Lab Assistant

The Clinical Lab Assistant (CLA) reports to a Senior Technologist or Manager. Under general supervision, and with appropriate training and demonstrated competency, the CLA performs a variety of complex laboratory testing within the assigned lab section.

The CLA is involved in all phases of laboratory testing and daily operations, including:

• Pre-analytical
• Analytical
• Post-analytical responsibilities

The role requires a professional level of knowledge to read and interpret test results. Candidates should ideally have collegiate experience in the sciences, particularly as it relates to laboratory work.

All employees at Brown University Health are expected to model the organization's core values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Employees must also demonstrate the following Success Factors:

• Instill trust and value differences
• Patient and community focus
• Collaborate effectively

Responsibilities

Principal Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Receive specimens, confirm patient identification, and ensure sample appropriateness
• Perform add-on testing, reprint labels, and aliquot samples while preventing contamination or mislabeling
• Understand clinical tests, methodologies, and proper specimen handling
• Interpret the clinical significance of test results
• Collaborate with laboratory staff to verify unusual results or procedural variations
• Consult with Specialists or Managers for guidance on complex or unusual cases
• Record and report test results to ordering physicians or the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), as required
• Assist in training and orientation of new staff
• Learn and adopt new testing procedures as directed
• Troubleshoot operational issues, including:
• Conflicting orders
• Sample integrity concerns
• Perform routine laboratory functions:
• Load samples onto automation systems
• Respond to pneumatic tube systems
• Handle blood culture samples
• Perform waived testing
• Conduct daily maintenance, calibration, and quality control on lab instruments and systems
• In Blood Bank assignments:
• Handle blood products and maintain inventory
• Act as liaison between Blood Bank and Operating Room (OR)
• Maintain OR blood storage refrigerators
• Ensure required testing is complete for OR patients
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and workspaces
• Maintain inventory and stock supplies to ensure lab readiness
• Participate in Quality Management (QM) activities, including:
• Reporting patient safety events
• Verifying manually entered results
• Comply with all:
• Quality Management
• Safety
• Infection Control
• HIPAA regulations
• Perform additional related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Education (Basic Knowledge) includes:

• Bachelor's degree in a laboratory science field, such as:
• Chemical science
• Physical science
• Biological science
• Clinical laboratory science
• Medical technology

Experience includes:

• Collegiate-level experience in the sciences, preferably in a laboratory setting

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate laboratory equipment and follow procedures accurately
• Strong computer skills, including navigating systems to identify testing and specimen requirements
• Physical and visual dexterity to perform and interpret laboratory tests
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in laboratory and operating room settings
• Exposure to:
• Odors
• Infectious materials
• Toxins and hazardous substances
• Ability to lift and carry supplies as needed

Independent Action

• Performs duties independently within established departmental policies and procedures
• Refers complex issues or exceptions to a Specialist, Manager, or Director of the Send-Out Lab as needed

Supervisory Responsibility

• None