Laboratory Assistant

Location:

Shift:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Worker Type:

Exemption Status:

Job Summary:

Job Duties:

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine.

• Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, body tissues and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens.
• Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
• Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
• Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling.
• Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Applies laboratory programs to store specimens and to locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
• Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
• Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate.
• Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required.
• Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, specimen archives.
• Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems.
• Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, notifies supervisor when inventory is low.
• Successfully completes initial and periodic competency assessments for all assigned job functions.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Position Details:

Job Duties:

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine.

• Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens.
• Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
• Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
• Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling.
• Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Applies laboratory internet programs to store specimens and to locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
• Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
• Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate.
• Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required.
• Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, specimen archives.
• Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems.
• Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, notifies supervisor when inventory is low.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Additional job description

Educational and other requirements:

• Laboratory Assistant I - less than 1 year of experience; HS diploma or GED 
• Laboratory Assistant II – Minimum 1 year of experience or one of the following will be accepted in lieu of required experience:  

1. Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical or related science field 

2. Enrollment with a minimum of at least two semesters completed of an associate or bachelor’s degree in clinical or related science field that includes introductory classes in biology or chemistry 

3. ASCP Certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) 

Geisinger Medical Center (GMC)

Per Diem

Rotating shifts

Benefit Highlights:

• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
• Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health

Education:

Experience:

Certification(s) and License(s):

Skills:

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities.

• KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves.
• EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence.
• LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow.
• INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.
• SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family. 

We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality.

We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger. Our patients, members and community come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it takes a diverse workforce to make better health easier for all.  We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.