Clinical Laboratory Aide

The Laboratory Aide performs various technical and clerical functions, under the supervision of a qualified technical employee. Duties may include: order entry, specimen processing, instrument preparation, delivery, storage and retrieval activities. The standard of ethical and professional performance must be consistent with established medical laboratory practice.

(50%)* Prepares, processes and accessions specimens for testing procedures

(50%)* Assists technical personnel with pre and post analytical duties

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answering telephones, communication and documentation, department/instrument maintenance duties, supply management, maintain department conditions, manage sample storage, and miscellaneous duties as needed for test preparation and completion.
• Registers specimens following all the Patient Access department protocols.
• Orders tests in LIS /CoPath systems, processes samples accurately and efficiently to ensure specimen integrity and identity. 
• Receives specimens in the laboratory information system and distributes specimens to various departments for testing. 
• Retrieves specimens from storage for add on or repeat testing.
• Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures as evidenced by observation, documentation, and peer feedback for patients who range in age from birth to 100+ years.
• All other duties as assigned.

--

Education: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS: 

• Organization skills, manual dexterity, customer service skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, and computer skills are required.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows.  An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
• Six (6) months experience in a clinical or microbiology laboratory and/or one (1) year experience in handling biological specimens preferred. 
• Medical terminology, knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures and protocols are preferred. 
• Knowledge of MISYS LIS, HIS and admitting policies and procedures are preferred. 
• Job shadow in Microbiology and/or Histology may be required commensurate to experience in either department. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description. 
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching. 
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material.  Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling.  May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Light.  Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.