Job Summary:
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant works within the laboratory, to distribute specimens, to assist testing personnel with the preparation of test samples, to perform infection control processes, to assist and perform and appropriately record maintenance and/or quality procedures within the clinical laboratory. The Clinical Lab Assistant must possess strong communication skills and maintain professionalism both inter-departmentally and with personnel outside the laboratory, physicians, clinicians, nursing staff. He/she is detail-oriented and has strong computer skills with the ability to maneuver multiple IT programs and platforms. He/she is able to accurately identify patient information on specimens and to appropriately distribute samples in a timely manner. The Clinical Lab Assistant is willing to read and adhere to all facility and departmental policies and procedures as they apply to the laboratory and to their individual job duties. The Clinical Lab Assistant pays meticulous attention to detail and has the integrity and willingness to honestly and thoroughly communicate and document appropriately when questions or problems arise.
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant in Blood Bank is responsible for providing support to the Technologists/Technicians in the department. He/she must have the ability to make quick and accurate decisions under high pressure situations. The CLA in Blood Bank is responsible for checking out products for administration to patients; acute eyesight and the capability to speak clearly to articulate accurate patient identification information to transporters is a safety requirement. He/she must be able to consistently speak to clients and coworkers in a polite and professional manner and direct phone calls appropriately and to the appropriate contact. He/she is responsible to assist with the preparation of certain blood products, order inventory as directed, receive inventory into the computer, put away stock items, perform quality procedures as directed and accurately document relative information.
The Clinical Laboratory Assistant in Microbiology is responsible for receiving, managing, processing, and distributing samples for testing within the Microbiology Department or to referral laboratories. He/she must possess the knowledge of sample types received and the appropriate handling requirements. He/she must be able to operate within the computer system to access information for testing that is performed in the department. He/she will distribute molecular specimens to appropriate testing areas. He/she must be able to operate instrumentation in the Microbiology Department, such as the WalkAway Specimen Processing (WASP) instrument and blood culture instruments. He/she must be able to manually set up cultures utilizing appropriate technique (streaking inoculation) and proper media for all sample types received in the department. The CLA in Microbiology prepares gram stain slides and sets up quality control slides. He/she operates the Biomerieux Previ Gram Stainer and also has the skills to stain gram stain slides manually. He/she performs and documents quality assurance processes as assigned; reading and documenting temperatures, performing safety checks and preforming maintenance on equipment or instrumentation. The CLA in Microbiology stocks inventory and performs inventory counts on media and WASP supplies as assigned.
The Clinical Lab Assistant in Referral Testing routes specimens for referral testing. The CLA in Referral must manage all aspects of the logistic process for testing appropriately. He/she must positively identify patient samples accurately throughout the process of receiving, labeling, shipping, and transcribing. He/she must understand differences in testing methodologies to ensure appropriate routing of testing and possess the skills to properly investigate testing options. He/she is willing to follow specific laboratory requirements to protect the integrity of the specimen during the entire process of storing or shipping. He/she must be willing and able to obtain training and Certification in Hazardous Materials Shipping (training and certification arranged within the lab). The CLA in Referrals is required to adhere to all regulatory requirements of OSHA, DOT, FDA and other agencies as applicable. He/she is responsible for ordering and maintaining shipping supply inventories.
Education:
Required:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred:
AS or BS in a biological science
Experience:
Required:
Preferred:
1 to 2 years of experience working in the Referrals, Blood Bank or Microbiology sections of clinical lab or other laboratory experience.
Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Preferred:
Medical Lab Assistant Certification (ASCP)
- Excellent attention to detail
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Research and analysis skills
- Experience working with lab equipment
Mathematic and measurement skills
- Knowledge of computer research and analysis programs
- Good teamwork skills
- Ability to keep detailed records
The Clinical Lab Assistant works in a high stress environment within a busy laboratory. He/She answers phones and disseminates information to other laboratory personnel. Must have a strong ability to prioritize workload. Must possess knowledge of lab quality regulations, maintain and manage laboratory documentation and recordkeeping. He/she works closely with team members in an atmosphere of continuous quality improvement. He/she performs other duties as assigned by the Coordinator or Mangers. The CLA must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his or her assigned department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures.
The CLA in the Blood Bank Department is responsible for checking out products for administration to the patient. He/she is responsible for temperature tracking, quality control procedures and product preparation.
The CLA in the Microbiology Department is responsible for culture preparation, the operation of automated equipment, rotation of stock, completion of inventory counts and quality assurance equipment checks.
The CLA in the Referrals Department is responsible for the preparation and routing of patient samples to approved testing facilities.
