Medical Lab Assistant

Summary: Laboratory assistants work under the direct supervision of the medical technologist (Medical Laboratory Specialist) and a pathologist or other qualified physician, performing pre-, post, and analytical tasks in histology, cytology, microbiology, and the general laboratory. Responsibilities: ( 75% )* SUPPORT FOR CLINICAL TESTING (Duties are dependent upon site) Executes waived testing, including result reporting Histology/Cytology: Prepares tissue specimens (along with information entry into the laboratory information system) for technical personnel and the Pathologist. Assists with inventory management. General laboratory (Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Blood Bank): Prepares urine specimens for testing. Prepares analyzers for testing: Monitors inventory, loads supplies and specimens, and empties waste. Microbiology: Prepares and stains slides for bacteriologic study; Properly plates specimens on specified media. Prepares specimens for testing. Assists with inventory management. Prepares analyzers for testing. Keeps accurate temperature, quality control and various other required records. Assists with pending logs. (25%)* SPECIMEN PREPARATION AND PROCESSING Identifies specimens properly; uses basic tools of the laboratory proficiently, including centrifuges, incubators and balances; prepares specimens for processing; and performs venipunctures Registers patients and accurately enters data into the hospital and laboratory information systems. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Adheres to all laboratory policies and procedures. Maintains confidentiality of all medical information. Follows patient registration, billing and coding procedures where required. Demonstrates competency in Infection Prevention and Control practices and policies. Performance, operation, and reporting of waived and point-of-care testing (e.g., glucose, pregnancy tests, urine dipsticks, coagulation tests) . Performance and interpretation of quality control; critical values and STAT results; result retrieval and reporting. Preparation, labeling, and staining of slides; microbiology setup and plating. Processes related to reagents, standards, and controls; analytical instrumentation (loading, test initiation, error recognition and reporting, specimen dilution, and calibrations). Review, clarification, and verification of physician orders. Follows strict identification policies to accurately identify specimens and perform specimen labeling. Determines acceptability of specimen for testing, specimen prioritization and distribution, specimen storage, transport, and special handling considerations (time, temperature, and light). Specimen processing including, but not limited to, centrifugation and aliquoting. Adheres to all Federal CLIA, CAP, and OSHA regulations. Regulations; safety and infection control; waste disposal; laboratory equipment; professionalism and ethics; and laboratory information system (LIS) Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation, and peer feedback for patients who range in age from birth to 100+ years. All other duties as assigned. Certifications and Licensures: Credential: MLA (ASCP): Medical Laboratory Assistant Equivalent Experience: Must hold and maintain an active, national Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certification within 12 months of hire or transfer into role. It is preferred the first attempt occurs within 3 months of hire.Non-certified employees hired to an acquired fac Qualification Source: Essential: true Required Education: Education: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA Equivalent Experience: One of the following combinations as outlined by ASCP must be met.1.High School Diploma or equivalent AND one of the following: a.Successful completion of NAACLS approved Clinical Assistant program with in the last five years OR b.Successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course in th…

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