ASCP Certified Medical Lab Assistant I

Join a dedicated healthcare team in the heart of the Midwest region, where your role as a Medical Lab Assistant I will be vital in supporting laboratory operations and patient care. This position involves performing essential pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks to ensure accurate and timely processing of specimens.

Key Responsibilities

• Prioritize and process incoming specimens following strict safety and quality guidelines.
• Review and verify physician orders and specimen integrity for accuracy.
• Generate and attach labels correctly, ensuring specimen identification matches orders.
• Distribute specimens promptly, communicating urgent requests to technologists to meet or exceed turnaround times.
• Resolve processing conflicts, coordinate re-collections when necessary, and manage workload priorities effectively.
• Perform microbiology setups during designated shifts and handle specimen inquiries via phone.
• Conduct quality control procedures and report any discrepancies to supervisors.
• Collect chain of custody drug screens and follow protocols for glucose tolerance testing.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, reorder as needed, and ensure cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment.
• Collect specimens using venipuncture, capillary, or arterial methods with minimal patient discomfort, adhering to proper protocols and safety practices.
• Provide clear instructions to patients regarding specimen collection and dietary restrictions.
• Uphold a respectful and professional demeanor toward patients and colleagues.

Education

High school diploma or GED is required.

Experience

At least one year of experience as a phlebotomist or laboratory assistant is required.

Certifications

Certification is not mandatory, but PBT (ASCP) certification is preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements

This role requires close mental and visual attention for short periods, with approximately 50% of the time spent standing and walking. Ability to lift or carry up to 20 pounds is necessary. The work environment includes exposure to infectious materials and moderate noise levels in an air-conditioned setting. Flexibility to work various shifts is expected.