Laboratory Assistant II

Position Objective:

Provides advanced support to the technical staff in the delivery of medical laboratory information related to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Creates a work environment that positively promotes process improvement. Explores opportunities to add value to job (innovative ideas) to benefit the organization and taking ownership of the outcome. Proactively finds other work-related tasks during low census.

• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Labels and disposes of biohazard and/or chemical waste according to regulatory guidelines.

• Maintains inter- and intradepartmental work flow by fostering a spirit of cooperation (hand offs).

• Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies; and storing supplies according to manufacturer’s recommended conditions. Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

• Provides clinical laboratory information by answering questions and requests. Participates in the training of new staff by serving as a mentor.

• Determines and executes the best method for obtaining biological specimens from patients of all ages (if required) to include venipuncture, capillary, and heel-stick puncture to ensure quality specimen for testing. Processes gynecological and non-gynecologic specimens for microscopic evaluation (if required), including instrument processing, staining, changing reagents, and cover-slipping. Performs functions to established productivity guidelines with minimal errors.

• Registers patients accurately in the Hospital Information System. Orders or accessions appropriate tests as requested by an authorized provider by accurately reading and interpreting orders and being familiar with test mnemonics and components. Responds to requests for lab results and sends appropriate scheduled reports.

• Performs limited clinical laboratory tests (within the scope of CLIA 42CFR493.1423) or limited histology functions (embedding, Group 1 special stains, etc.), as applicable. Performs functions to established productivity guidelines with minimal errors. Prepares aliquots and processes samples for referral to outside labs; distributes specimens to testing or processing locations according to established standard work. Participates in external proficiency testing.

• Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation. Performs preventative maintenance and troubleshoots problems to the full extent of ability.

• Actively participate in the laboratory quality plan/program (ex. investigative reports, notification of delays, etc.). Performs quality controls and documents QC for each lab procedure on a daily basis and follows up on issues (troubleshoots).

Educational/Experience Requirements:

Required Minimum Education: 

• High School graduate or equivalent

Required Minimum Experience:

• One year of experience working in an acute care facility with similar duties, preferred.

License/Certifications:  

• MLA(ASCP) or PBT(ASCP), preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Ability to work cooperatively with all types of personalities both inside and outside the organization.
• May require travel to various locations.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

Physical Demands

Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.