Stanford Health Care·Palo Alto, California
The Lab Assistant is responsible for accessioning, receiving, and processing patient specimens while maintaining accurate records and laboratory logs. They also provide support by answering inquiries, distributing reports, and assisting with reagent and glassware preparation.
If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered. Night - 08 Hour (United States of America) This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview Under the direct supervision of the Pre-Analytical Supervisor or the Section Supervisor is responsible for accessioning, receiving and specimen processing, answering phones, faxing results upon request and report distribution.
Assists in the training of new employees and/or students as needed.
Completes assignments with accuracy and in a timely manner without compromising the quality of the patient sample.
Exercises good judgment in recognizing and correcting irregularities and/or unusual requests.
Performs other miscellaneous duties or special projects as assigned.
Complies with all aspects of the job according to written procedure.
What you will do Accessions patient information accurately into Laboratory computer system.
Checks all requests for proper and accurate patient information.
Consults with Supervisor, Lead or Technologist when unclear or unusual requests received.
Notifies physicians, nursing units, clinics etc. when sample received is either inappropriate for testing or otherwise compromised.
After processing of samples is complete distributes accordingly, ensuring that samples are routed to appropriate areas in the laboratory.
Distributes STAT requests in a timely as well as appropriate manner.
Answers telephones, responds to inquiries regarding status of testing, giving out results, transferring calls as necessary, answering all inquires in a polite and efficient manner.
Accurately taking results from Reference labs.
Assists with media preparation, reagent preparations, and glassware preparation when requested.
Communicates with physicians, nurses, visitors and other laboratory/ hospital staff in a cooperative and courteous manner.
Responds to their needs appropriately with minimal waiting time.
Follows all departmental policies regarding attendance, punctuality and health and safety.
Independently resolves problems encountered in routine work.
Recognizes problems or requests which require Supervisor and/or Technologist assistance when appropriate.
Keeps all work areas clean and disposes of all waste appropriately.
Keeps current with all laboratory procedures, techniques and changes in all areas of the laboratory through which he or she rotates.
Keeps work areas well stocked with necessary supplies and notifies appropriate personnel when inventory levels are low.
Maintains all logs, records and data etc. in a legible and precise manner.
Prints reports and faxes; sends via US mail or interdepartmental mail as requested.
Provides backup coverage as necessary to monitor fax machine for incoming patient report handling, scan reports for both CERNER and EPIC reports according to written procedure and faxing results upon request Provides orientation and training to Lab Assistants.
Orients new employees to general procedures in the lab; trains them in the performance of nontechnical duties.
Receives samples via the pneumatic system, couriers, patients, or other hospital personnel.
Deals with patient's samples in an appropriate and efficient manner, distributing to the appropriate area of the laboratory or routing to other hospital departments as necessary according to procedure.
Reports promptly to Supervisor or Lead any abnormal circumstances with equipment, machinery or other problems that may exist.
Understands patient care and laboratory priorities and independently assists others to ensure efficient workflow.
Education Qualifications High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Experience Qualifications None required
Ability to establish good working relationships with a variety of professional, technical and nontechnical staff Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the job Knowledge of aseptic technique and other lab techniques (micro/viro) Knowledge of basic laboratory testing procedures, laboratory precautions, and use and care of common laboratory equipment Knowledge of instruments, methods and materials used in a hospital laboratory Knowledge of medical terminology Knowledge of various nontechnical needs of a laboratory, usually acquired from a combination of previous work experience and/or schooling Skills: Data entry
Licenses and Certifications None
These principles apply to ALL employees: SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford’s patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. The role requires the ability to organize and prioritize tasks, effective communication skills, and knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and medical terminology.
Market context
In California, part-time night lab assistant roles are often in steady demand because hospitals and clinical labs need reliable coverage outside standard hours. Competition can be strong for candidates who can work with diverse teams, follow basic lab procedures, and communicate clearly; this posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, which helps save research time. If you’re considering applying, review the night-shift schedule and refresh basic medical terminology before submitting.
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