Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant II is under the direction of the Lab Supervisor’s and Lab Director, the Lab Assistant II is responsible for correctly and efficiently providing assistance to phlebotomists and licensed laboratory staff.  The Lab Assistant II is responsible for correctly and efficiently performing moderate and high complexity technical procedures and Quality Control in one or more sections of the Clinical laboratory, operating and maintaining instrumentation as assigned, taking steps necessary to assure accurate reports, performing clerical and phlebotomy tasks as needed.  The Laboratory Assistant II works without direct supervision, and all reports are reviewed by a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.  This position requires knowledge and mastery of specimen collection techniques, specimen processing, registering patients and ordering and performing some lab tests within the scope of their education and regulatory requirements. 

Responsibilities:

1. Greet customers appropriately. Treat all customers in a courteous manner
2. Ensures all patient specimens are collected accurately and on time.
   • Collects specimens according to established procedures.
   • Call clients to confirm handwritten orders, verify test(s) ordered, obtain accurate billing information, i.e. diagnosis codes, UPIN information, etc.
   • Research test/client information utilizing lab computer system or Directory of Service.
   • Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze specimens as required by test order.
   • Package specimens for transport.
3. Maintains required records and documentation.
   • Reads, understands and complies with departmental policies, protocols and procedures: (i.e. procedure manuals, safety manual, compliance manual, automobile policies and procedures, employee handbook, and quality assurance manual).
   • Maintains all appropriate laboratory logs.
   • Perform basic clerical duties, i.e. filing, faxing, and preparing mail.
   • Follows established procedures for laboratory quality control and reports discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor to guarantee the lab maintains utmost quality.
   • Performs daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate, to ensure that all equipment is in working order.
   • Performs calibration of equipment as required.
   • Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents, and patient specimens when problems occur. Notifies the supervisor if unable to solve the problem.
4. Demonstrates organizational commitment.
   • Adheres to departmental and company code of grooming and dress code and lab coat policies, appearing neat and clean at all times.
   • Reports on time to work, following attendance guidelines.
   • Answers the telephone in a friendly and helpful manner, by incorporating the company name, self-identification and a helpful statement.
   • Communicates appropriately with clients, patients, coworkers and the general public.
   • Communicates all unresolved problems immediately to the appropriate manager or supervisor for resolution. Remains polite and courteous at all time.
   • Attends educational conferences and seminars to stay abreast of laboratory methodology, instrumentation, procedures, and policies to offer the highest quality testing to the laboratory.
   • Reads and follows all organizational and departmental policies and procedures to remain in good standing with the organization and leads by example. Assists in updating policy and procedure manuals.
   • Dependable and is punctual as defined by department policy to ensure that work is started and completed on time.
   • Follows department rules regarding scheduling and schedule changes.
   • Demonstrates willingness to adjust schedule to meet departmental needs.
   • Takes call when required.
5. Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities.
   • Keeps work area neat and clean. Disposes of biohazard containers when scheduled.
   • Help with inventories and other tasks as assigned.
   • Stock supplies as needed.
   • Performs other department-related clerical duties when assigned.
   • Participates on teams and special projects when asked.
   • practice infection control standards at all times when working with patients and equipment
   • Performs clerical duties such as answering telephones, typing procedures, performing data entry/retrieval as may be required, filing paperwork and slides, faxing documents, and assisting with inventory of supplies.
   • Performs work in accordance with laboratory regulatory standards.
   • Performs inpatient, outpatient and outreach patients test order entry.
   • All other duties as assigned, within scope of position.
6. Preparing a safe environment.
   • Complies with established laboratory and hospital policies for universal precautions and safety procedures to protect all patients and staff.
   • When handling blood and/or body fluids, standard precaution procedures will be followed in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases.
   • Safety policies and procedures will be followed when using chemicals.
   • Attends all required safety training programs to stay abreast of latest safety precautions and procedures, and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job related hazards.
   • Follows the hospital exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens.
   • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Shift: 1, Days, Varied

Hours: 64

Type: Full Time

Category: Clinical

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Requires six months customer service and six months hospital lab experience. Experience as a phlebotomist may be substituted for Customer Service experience.
• Have earned a doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution;
• One year of Clinical Lab Assistant or related experience in a Clinical Laboratory to include prior experience with a variety of lab tests preferred.
• At least 3 months documented laboratory training at DRH Health in each specialty in which the individual performs moderate and high complexity testing.

Education and/or Experience:  

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Have earned a doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution;
• Looking for a self-motivated candidate with good skills regarding computers, telephone etiquette, interpersonal relations, and able to multitask. 

*Safety-Sensitive Position - This is a “Safety-Sensitive” Position as defined by Oklahoma law.  As such, please be advised that applicants for this position cannot test positive in pre-employment drug tests (or any drug tests administered after employment begins) for the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive component of cannabis.  This is true even if the applicant is in possession of a valid medical marijuana card that otherwise allows the license-holder to legally use and consume medical marijuana. Team Members in “Safety-Sensitive” positions are not permitted to test positive for the presence of THC in any pre-employment drug test, or any other drug test administered after employment begins.  This information is provided to applicants as a resource to the application process.  This is not a request for any applicant to disclose personal medical information during the application process. If you have any questions about the information in this disclaimer please direct these questions to a member of Human Resources.

**This position requires respirator and fit testing. Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals.

***As a condition of employment, vaccinations are required per DRH Policy.  Medical and Religious Exemptions are available upon request.