VCU Health·Richmond, Virginia
Provides essential support for clinical and anatomical laboratories by processing specimens, managing orders, and performing pre-analytical preparations. Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, data entry, and ensuring the accurate transport and registration of patient materials.
Provides support services for the clinical or anatomical laboratories by resolving problems with orders and/or specimens and by responding to telephone inquiries for test results and specimen collection criteria.
Where applicable: prepares coolers for blood delivery, receives blood product inventory, scans digital slides, files slides and tissue blocks, and performs daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of equipment.
Receives and delivers specimens and reports.
Where applicable, compiles appropriate case data including correct specimen designation regarding specimen site so that appropriate/correct testing is performed by pathologist/technologist.
Where applicable, performs CLIA Waived Lab Testing.
Registers and accessions all patient material as required for the Department.
Laboratory support functions may also include, but are not limited to, developing and maintaining ordering and inventory processes/systems; assisting with employee time keeping; pay reference lab invoices; providing data entry assistance and general glassware maintenance.
Maintains workload recording to include quality control as required for area/department.
Receives specimens in the laboratory and performs pre-analytical specimen manipulation/preparation for analysis which includes but is not limited to accessioning orders via Laboratory Computer System, verifying technical specimen acceptability, and performing pre-analytical procedures.
Pre-analytical procedures may include aliquoting specimens for technical analysis, plating specimens for microbiologic growth, specimen manipulation/preparation for testing, preparing smears, preparing specimens for shipping utilizing knowledge of specimen handling and shipping of dangerous goods in accordance with laboratory policy in an accurate, safe, and timely manner.
Dependent on-site location/where applicable: provides internal and/or external courier services transporting a variety of items, ensuring that deliveries are made within the specific timeframes established by the assigned department.
Dependent on-site location: valid driver's license and acceptable driver's record if required to drive between sites required
Dependent on-site location: valid driver's license and acceptable driver's record if required to drive between sites required
Experience REQUIRED: Previous experience in a clinical laboratory; reference laboratory or college level laboratory course work
Previous experience using a personal computer and entering data
Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience using basic laboratory principles and procedures and handling specimens
work experience may be considered in lieu of credentials not required by law with HR approval. Work experience must be specific to role.)
High School Diploma or equivalent
Education/training PREFERRED: One year of post high school education in a Health Science field
Complete required continuing education.
Customer service-oriented communications.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Additional position requirements: Rotating weekends as required
Holiday scheduling as required
Work overtime as needed
Age Specific groups served: All
Lifting less than 20 lbs.
Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive)
Repetitive motion: typing, pipetting, plating
Other: exposure to biohazards and potentially infectious body fluids
Other: exposure to hazardous chemicals and reagents
Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
Working in a fast-paced environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change
Market context
In Virginia, administration roles in healthcare are often open to candidates with a high school diploma or GED and AHA BLS-HCP certification, with no prior experience required in many postings. These roles can be competitive because some settings, such as Critical Access Areas, require CNA certification, and employers may also offer benefits like medical, dental, vision, PTO, and childcare discounts. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm whether your credentials match the specific site or unit before applying.
