Laboratory assistant

Laboratory Assistant

US:NV:Carson City Laboratory Per Diem Variable Shift Summary

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient obtaining of appropriate blood samples from patients for the performance of laboratory testing, and for the proper processing and transport of these specimens. Also, responsible for the accurate identification/ labeling of specimens collected and received by the laboratory and entering specimen test orders accurately into the laboratory information system in accordance with hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• A current Laboratory Assistant or Medical Technician license through the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services or be eligible to apply for and obtain licensure within nine (9) months
• American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers within 90 days of employment

Preferred:

• Additional certification by national examination such as Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
• An Associate’s or higher degree in biology or chemistry from a college or university

Unit Specific Requirements

Emergency Department Preferred: Must successfully complete Non-Violent Crisis intervention within six (6) months of hire or position entry

Essential Functions

• Identifies patients and properly collects appropriate amounts of blood for specified testing and transports specimen(s) to the testing laboratory.
• Draws and/or collects lab specimens, ensuring that all patient records are verified.
• Assists with receiving, identifying, accessioning, processing, and transporting of specimens.
• Provides accurate instructions to patients regarding the collection of specimens in regard to preparation and special procedures in the collection process.
• Performs accurate specimen accessioning in the Laboratory Information System with correct patient identification, specimen demographics, appropriate tests, and orders.
• Assists with pre-analytical specimen processing including centrifugation, aliquot for testing, inoculating and placing specimens into appropriate preservative, media, or collection/transport containers.
• Provides professional communication to health care providers regarding specimen collection, receipt, test add-ons, and triages technical questions to the appropriate laboratory technologist personnel.
• Prioritizes specimen processing for STAT, ASAP, time-critical, and routine testing.
• Performs various laboratory procedures including routine maintenance, decontamination, quality assurance activities, transporting specimens, and conducting inventory management.
• Participates in quality improvement by assisting in data collection and monitoring of quality indicators.
• Performs other duties as assigned.