HMS Lab Assistant

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

HMS Laboratory Assistant is responsible for working closely with the HMS Laboratory Managers and Leads to ensure all tests are accessioned and reported in a timely manner. Responsible for specimen inventory and sample management programs within the HMS laboratory. Primary point of contact for clinic and HMS department staff for questions concerning additional testing and/or sample availability. Responsible for locating specimens for outside transport to other departments within HMS, reference laboratories used by HMS and/or preparation and storage for aliquots for potential future orders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as first level of specimen receipt and accessioning for the HMS Laboratory
• Receives, orders and directs specimens for in-house testing.
• Manages reference samples and distributes to outside departments/ vendors as needed.
• Follows proper guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
• Maintains proper records of laboratory testing and results as described in the policy and procedures manual.
• Ability to read, analyze, and report clinical elements on cases that are required for pathology testing
• Ability to interpret Pathology reports and dissect clinical information for testing
• Adheres to CLIA compliance requirements.
• Maintains sufficient inventory of laboratory and/or supplies for daily operations.
• Interacts with reference laboratories on an ongoing basis to receive reports, handle ordering issues etc
• Understands the billing process and updates the billing logs with secondary testing
• Daily works laboratory pending and checks on tests that are past the normal turnaround time
• Works with laboratory staff with questions regarding send out testing, sample requirements and correct test name
• Perform advanced specimen processing and clerical functions in one or more sections of the laboratory
• Perform receiving, record keeping, accessioning, processing, and transporting of specimens
• Conduct materials management duties, orders add on tests, audits pending logs, and resolves duplicate orders
• Perform client service duties; registration, billing-related functions, training and guidance
• Assist in pathology to include, but not limited to: pulling and filing of slides and blocks, processing pathology samples and managing and tracking send outs
• Manage and track reference testing and result routing
• May perform daily tasks without on-site supervision

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Good telephone etiquette and organization
• Excellent computer, written and oral communication skills
• Understanding of laboratory practices and workflows
• Strong organizational skills
• Interpersonal skills to successfully interact with all co-workers and laboratory customers
• Excellent communication skills and professional demeanor
• Able to work with reference labs (such as Quest, CSI, Foundation Medicine) regarding specimens not received, sent improperly, lost specimen and other issues that arise.
• Able to work all lab pending and check on test(s) that are past the normal turn around time.
• Interact with clinic staff to communicate issues with specimen receipt, processing or testing that could affect patient care.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years extensive experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of pathology testing and workflows are preferred.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma