Lab Assistant

• Tasks and responsibilities
• Upon specimen arrival, properly marks the location of testing for each ordered test on the accompanying requisition.
• Ensures that the correct specimen is collected for each test ordered, and that the tube types submitted are written in the left margin of the requisition.
• Ensures that the patient’s full name, date/time of collection, and phlebotomist’ number are filled in on the requisition, and that the specimen bar codes (with appropriate letter prefix) are placed on all patient specimens.
• Responsible for informing a facility, and filling out appropriate paperwork, if a redraw is needed due to: PT & PTT that are QNS; missing or incorrectly spelled name on requisition or specimen; mislabeled accession number and/or name; specimen not received
• Taking a redraw order from a CLS if any specimen is unsuitable for the test ordered, due to the integrity, quantity and/or suitability of the specimen for the lab test required.
• Ensures that all patient requisitions are scanned into the Filebound program.
• Properly centrifuges all appropriate specimens for correct times to insure adequate serum or plasma for required testing.
• Routes in-house specimens to correct lab benches for testing.
• Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab.
• Prepares reference lab coolers correctly, with proper paperwork, and according to federal guidelines for “Biological Substances – Category B.”
• Prepares a copy of the DL requisition for any local reference lab with the DL account number, and tests to be done by this lab clearly marked.
• Whether a cooler is sent to the airport or a courier must be sent to a local reference lab, Dispatch must be notified for the transfer.
• Regularly reviews in-house testing areas for completed specimens so they can electronically store them for any future add-on tests or repeats.
• Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times to protect the processor from any infectious material.

Skills|experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent and minimum of 2 months of training in specimen collection if no prior experience noted.
• Proper knowledge of specimen collection appropriate to the test ordered, i.e., requirements for lab test(s)
• Awareness of the factors that influence test results
• Knowledge of medical (laboratory) terminology helpful