LABORATORY ASSISTANT

Laboratory AssistantLaboratory Assistants work in a laboratory setting, performing a variety of tasks such as logging in patient specimens, adding fixatives and preservatives to specimens, smearing specimens onto microscopic glass slides, transcribing laboratory tests results into a computer, preparing media and reagents, or assigning, training, and reviewing the work of a group of lower-level laboratory positions. Essential duties include:Receives patient specimens such as blood, urine, feces, pulmonary fluids, gastro-intestinal fluids, body carry fluids, and sputum slides with standard laboratory request forms providing information such as patient's name and tests to be performed by licensed personnel; verifies patient's name and permanent file number by matching information on request form and specimen container.Prepares specimens for laboratory testing by adding fixatives or preservatives using a prescribed technique/instrument appropriate to the type of specimen.Processes specimens for subsequent analysis by certified professionals by performing duties such as making primary inoculations of test material to be cultured, and smearing and staining test specimens on laboratory glass slides and/or plates.Transcribes laboratory test results from laboratory reports/worksheets into a permanent log or computer; routes laboratory reports to patients' ward so medical personnel will be informed of laboratory findings.Requirements to qualify: Six (6) months' experience in laboratory work* in a public health, medical, or biological laboratory. Physical Class 3 - Moderate: This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.Desirable qualifications: Additional credit will be given to applicants who possess the following desirable qualification:Laboratory work experience in an Acute Care Hospital Laboratory** beyond the minimum requirements.Successful completion of chemistry, biology, or microbiology lecture and lab course(s) at an accredited college or university.