Tenet Healthcare·Detroit, Michigan
Performs pre-analytical and post-analytical laboratory tasks, including specimen processing, blood draws, and data entry. Maintains a clean work area and communicates with patients and healthcare professionals regarding test status and procedures.
1. Prioritizes incoming specimens; processes patient specimens in accordance with department safety and OSHA guidelines. Ensures stats and other critical tests are accurately and immediately processed. Documents specimen problems and refers to supervisor or other lead designee. 2. May draw blood samples from patients based on physicians order and in accordance with departmental safety and OSHA guidelines (e.g. utilizes protective equipment such as gloves, coats, and shields); verifies patients identification and collects insurance information. 3. Generates and attaches labels to specimen/blood samples; may perform specimen processing and aliquoting according to pre-established test requirements. 4. Ensures specimen integrity by verifying patient identification and ensures the sample submitted is appropriate given the requested test. Sorts, racks, and delivers specimens to appropriate testing laboratory. 5. Accurately enters and reviews laboratory test data in the laboratory computer system; detects and corrects errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards. 6. Communicates with patients to explain procedures and/or answers routine questions from physicians, nurses, or other appropriate healthcare professionals (e.g. date or time of drawing patients blood or gathering specimens, verifying a request, etc.) 7. Maintains a neat and clean work area; stocks storage area with supplies and inventories as necessary. Cleans glassware, equipment, and small instruments. 8. May perform transportation duties (e.g. delivers specimens and reports); time stamps or computer verifies all laboratory requests; may order tests in the system. 9. May conduct routine inspection, maintenance and quality control checks on equipment (e.g. records temperatures). Reports unusual findings timely to supervisor or lead designee. 10. May prepare the patient for and/or administer tolerance tests or other tests specific to assigned area. 11. Performs a variety of clerical duties such as answering the telephone, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, or relaying a message to the appropriate personnel. 12. Self-monitors their individual work behavior and performance to make improvements. Communicates training and development needs to management. 13. Complies with departmental safety polices and procedures and OSHA guidelines, including the use of applicable personal protective equipment. 14. Responsible to check organizational communication daily (i.e. Outlook, laboratory software, posted notices, etc.) 15. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requires a high school diploma and at least six months of experience in a healthcare environment or related science field. Phlebotomy certification and basic knowledge of medical terminology are preferred.
Market context
Lab assistant openings in Michigan are often tied to hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs that need steady support for specimen handling and routine testing. These roles can be competitive because employers often prefer candidates with prior medical or lab experience and comfort with biological specimens, plus a passing color blindness test. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then highlight any hands-on lab, phlebotomy, or specimen-processing experience in your application.
