Laboratory Assistant

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, performs clinical laboratory procedures using manual equipment. Maintains required records and data. Assists laboratory technician and medical technologists. Supports compliance and Principles of Responsibility. Maintains confidentiality. Protects organizational assets. Exhibits ethics and integrity. Adheres to applicable federal and state laws and regulations, accreditation and licensing requirements, policies and procedures. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Obtains laboratory specimens such as blood, urine and sputum directly from patient.
• Using centrifuge, separates plasma or serum from whole blood. Checks specimen acceptability for testing. Labels, distributes, and stores samples appropriately. Measures/weighs appropriate samples. Provides information to technicians and technologists to be used in further laboratory testing.
• Maintains and operates equipment such as centrifuges used to prepare samples for testing. Keeps Quality Control Maintenance Charts on such equipment as well as refrigerators and freezers within department. Tends automatic equipment as appropriate to prepare specimens for analytical testing.
• Inoculates bacteriological specimens on culture media. Prepares smears for staining.
• Performs input of data via computer CRT/keyboard. Handles inquiries on laboratory specimen requirements and handling. Keeps detailed records of all tests performed. Reports laboratory findings to authorized persons.
• Assists in transporting items between laboratory, clinic and hospital locations. Maintains packing/shipping training and certification as appropriate to remain in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Performs glucose testing using a Point-of-Care testing device.
• Performs Bleeding Time Test under direct supervision.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, and stains, following standard laboratory formulas and procedures. Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment and instruments. Maintains laboratory stock of supplies and chemicals.
• Maintains neatness and cleanliness of work area.
• Maintains customer focus. Demonstrates principles of service excellence in all activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide care and/or service appropriate to age groups served.
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide culturally sensitive care and/or service.
• Adheres to and maintains current knowledge of Principles of Responsibility, applicable federal and state laws and regulations, accreditation and licensing requirements, policies and procedures. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.
• On regular, sustained basis, cooperates with other staff members both within and outside department in accomplishment of own job duties as well as assisting others in accomplishing theirs. Serves as team player and role model for other employees in organization, always exhibiting traits of courtesy, caring, helpfulness and respect. Conducts self in service-oriented manner that is attentive, pleasant, cooperative, sensitive, respectful and kind when dealing with members, visitors, public and all employees.
• Performs other duties and accepts responsibility as assigned.