CLINICAL LAB ASSISTANT

Job Summary

Assists technical staff in the preparation, processing, handling and tracking of laboratory specimens. Competent in general laboratory support services such as computer system order entry, registration of patients, procurement and handling of specimens and orders.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrate competency in appropriate computer system functions
  • Assures accuracy of patient specimen identification, data entry, and transcription of information.
  • seeks resolution of questionable information in a timely manner
  • utilizes effectively order entry system to place requests for supplies and services and aid in troubleshooting
  • ensures continuity of communication from physician orders through to resulting
  • monitors various reports to track specimens and/or results
  • retrieves information in an efficient manner providing timely resolution to inquiries
  • Maintains a general understanding of the HIS-LIS exchange of information and the overall information requirements to ensure accurate completion of communication transactions.
• Responsible for receipt and pre-analytic examination of patient specimens
  • verifies the correct identification of patient specimens and laboratory orders
  • accessions patient specimens and orders accurately and completely to ensure successful and timely progression of testing
  • labels specimens according to departmental policy to ensure correct specimen identification through processing to reporting of results
  • maintains knowledge of current specimen requirements to assess basic specimen integrity
  • forwards specimens to appropriate laboratory sections in a timely manner to maintain departmental efficiency
• Prepares and processes laboratory specimens appropriately to ensure specimen integrity through the pre-analytic phase and post-analytic phase.
  • organizes specimens to be processed according to specimen order priority
  • ensures continuity of specimen tracking throughout processing and preparation for testing to systematic storage and disposal in compliance with current procedures
  • uses department specific criteria to determine proper method of processing, storage and transport to maintain integrity of specimens
  • demonstrates ability to respond to changes in work volume or assignments to maintain appropriate test turnaround times
  • prioritizes work to achieve best specimen quality and highest throughput, but also understands and responds to special request situations
  • identifies, documents and refers variances from normal operation to appropriate staff in a timely and concise manner
• Plans and utilizes time effectively and efficiently to maintain optimal testing turnaround time
  • works independently with little supervision providing quality work
  • uses time to departmental advantage by filling in with office work, assisting technical staff, performing general housekeeping duties, putting away supplies, or performing other duties as necessary
  • coordinates work consistently to achieve maximum productivity
  • demonstrates ability to deal with changes in priorities to provide smooth and consistent workflow
• Maintains operational readiness of work area to ensure continuity of operations
  • organizes records/reports to enable timely retrieval of information
  • maintains inventory of supplies at appropriate levels, prepares reagents appropriately
  • facilitates distribution of supplies and information between hospital employees and physician offices
  • assures work area is organized, stocked and clean
  • resolves minor problems with equipment and computer
• Interacts with various health care professionals to obtain or exchange information to expedite laboratory services.
  • retrieves requested information in a timely manner
  • seeks timely resolution to questionable information and problems
  • effectively communicates specimen collection requirements as requested
  • handles telephone communications with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for confidentiality
  • establishes a good rapport and cooperative working relationship with members of the laboratory department, nursing, and physician staff
  • seeks guidance or asks for assistance from appropriate personnel regarding unusual requests or problems
  • effectively communicates and/or obtains documentation for continuity of workflow
  • assists in development of processing protocols
• Compliance with all established guidelines as documented in technical policies and procedures as related, but not limited to:
  • quality control
  • quality assurance
  • record retention
  • requisitions and orders
  • billing
  • biohazard waste management
  • safety
  • specimen packaging and shipping
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Functions

• Process microbiology specimens from receipt to incubator.
  • Prepares a variety of specimens for microbiology, including but not limited to, swabs, CSF, respiratory samples, tissue, stool, urine and body fluids.
  • follow appropriate protocol for all specimens
  • troubleshoots ordering errors and common problems of microbiology samples
  • Receives blood cultures and loads blood culture analyzer.
  • Prepares and stains smears for gram stains.
  • assists the microbiology technical staff in performing and documenting quality activities for microbiology.
• Actively begins breath alcohol training using the Alco Sensor IV breathalyzer.
• Organizes, prioritizes and sends out testing performed in other Excela laboratories or in approved reference laboratories
  • organizes samples for send out testing
  • Readies samples for transport, including any and all computer work required, i.e. click and pack, tracking, etc.
  • receives reference lab reports
  • scans reference lab reports into system
  • Maintains send out testing supplies and requisitions.
  • manages study protocols that are sent to research laboratories
• Acts as contact person for send out testing.
• Keeps current on coding and billing regulations through review of educational materials
• Aids in the updating of LIS database by clearly communicating to the supervisor, changes in specimen and or coding requirements.
• Attends all mandatory education programs and participates in department staff development activities, meetings and in-services.
• Maintains personal education log.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or Higher Level of Education.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge.
• Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lab assistant.
• Experience in laboratory specimen procurement and receiving position or enrolled in an appropriate clinical Laboratory program.
• Experience in a specimen receiving position.
• Experience as phlebotomist
• Experience handling patient specimens.
• College/Technical school experience with laboratory specimens
• Core course completion in a Biological Science, or related field

License, Certification & Clearances

• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)