Assistant, Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

To provide technical and clerical support within scope of practice, to the laboratory professional staff by receiving and preparing specimens for examination/testing; performing and reporting limited analytical and quality control procedures; communicating test results to authorized recipients.

• Receive incoming specimens or blood components and log in according to department policies and work instructions. Verify correct specimen identity. Evaluate that specimen has been collected correctly and handling requirements have been met. Notify testing staff of all STAT or ASAP test requests.
• Using Laboratory Quality Assurance policies, initiate problem solving in regards to missing, inadequate or compromised specimens or blood components. If the specimen has been collected incorrectly or the quality of the specimen is unacceptable, INFORM the appropriate person(s) and/or arrange for recollection.
• Prepare specimen for testing on-site or for shipment to specific testing laboratory. Process may include but not limited to slide preparation/staining, centrifugation, separation, aliquoting, refrigeration/freezing, distribution or routing to testing areas. When indicated, determine most appropriate means of specimen transport. Ensure compliance with packaging and labeling regulations while maintaining specimen integrity.
• Under technical supervision, perform waived testing according to CLIA regulations. release and report test results when appropriate.
• Receive and screen incoming phone requests for patient reports. Following confidentiality policy, provide test results to authorized recipients by consulting either the electronic or paper information sources. Call and/or fax abnormal, STAT or requested results to the appropriate person(s). Verify that verbal reports have been correctly received. Serve as a resource person by answering questions or providing instructions related to specimen collection and processing.
  
  when appropriate, refer calls to technical staff, pathologists or other department(s).
• Support accurate record keeping by preparing accession logs, initiating worksheets, creating and maintaining files. Compile data for workload auditing, quality assurance monitors, research and patient history. Prepare completed patient reports for final distribution.
• Perform quality control and maintain records of routine maintenance procedures specific to the work area. Record any action taken to correct unacceptable quality control or equipment functions. conduct environmental safety checks where applicable. collect and package bio-hazardous and chemical waste for disposal.
• Ensure adequate levels of supplies in the work area through timely inventory and ordering practices. Order products and supplies through purchasing or specific vendor. Prepare and label reagents according to work instructions.