Laboratory Assistant

Mandatory initial training schedule will be 3pm -11:30pm, 3 week days per week for first 90 days.  

Once training is complete, working hours for this role will be 1pm - 9:30pm, 3 days per week including weekend rotation, on-call, coverage list and legal holidays.  

General Summary of Position

Collects and processes laboratory specimens for processing. Performs simple routine duties specific to assigned section.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Retrieves specimens as directed and takes them to the laboratory for analysis using appropriate or specified equipment for collecting and handling specimens. Logs specimens into the laboratory. Bags and files specimens; discards surgical specimens as necessary.
• Reviews specimen identity investigates discrepancies generates appropriate reports and submits corrections.
• Maintains a clean orderly work environment regarding safety and biohazardous conditions. Reports unsafe or hazardous conditions.
• Maintains required records reports statistics and files as directed.
• Orders laboratory supplies and maintains supply inventories as directed.
• Performs and maintains quality control and preventive maintenance of equipment and materials including the morgue. Conducts instrument and refrigerator maintenance checks. Calls attention of regional Anatomic Pathology consolidated lab leadership to out-of-range results.
• Performs preliminary setup procedures for specimens. Accessions incoming laboratory specimens labels verifies receipt adds fixatives and sorts for lab sections. Assists pathologist physicians' assistants and technicians as required.
• Assists in and performs patient registration as needed/ assigned. Places orders and performs inquiries in the LIS.
• Records and dates supplies as they come in and as they are put to use. Labels appropriately.
• Screens visitors and telephone calls takes messages provides lab results and/or information and refers calls as necessary.
• Performs send out testing to reference laboratories and shared testing to other MedStar hospitals. Monitors pending log and mails reports as needed.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• High School Diploma or GED, required.
• 1 year clinical laboratory experience, preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Basic computer skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.