TridentCare·Irvine, California
The Lab Assistant is responsible for receiving, marking, and processing patient specimens to ensure they are suitable for testing. This includes centrifuging samples, routing them to correct lab benches, and preparing reference lab shipments according to federal guidelines.
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.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two months of training in specimen collection if they lack prior experience. Knowledge of laboratory terminology and factors influencing test results is highly beneficial.
Market context
In California, lab assistant openings are often tied to hospitals and outpatient labs that need staff who can support specimen handling and patient-facing collection work. This role is competitive because employers typically prioritize a California Phlebotomy Technician License, AHA BLS certification, and acute care experience, with a lab assistant program certificate as a plus. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your credentials and highlight any acute care or phlebotomy experience in your application.
