Laboratory Technical Assistant

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and CHH-2 clinic patients. The person in this position is authorized to perform moderately complex testing in the following areas: chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, issuing blood products, assisting in bone marrow collection and slide staining. The person provides support to transfuse patients safely, maintain and monitor the blood product inventory, document all transactions relating to blood product movement and use. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisory review of results is required in the case of unusual/complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure.

The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which will best serve the clients of the department. These clients will be internal and external to Clinical Pathology (CP) and Anatomical Pathology (AP).

Performs data entry and sample processing of samples received for testing (CP & AP)

• Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions, and labels.
• Performs computer entry in EPIC, test request and billing functions.
• Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers
• Ensures that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner
• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers
• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas or stores samples for future testing.
• Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work is received

Bone marrow bench duties

• ­Manages schedules appointments for bone marrow assists.
• ­Performs bone marrow assistance at the bedside for physicians performing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, according to written procedures.
• ­Observes the aspiration, determines if the specimen is adequate, prepares slides, prepares, or preserves specimens for additional testing as needed.
• ­Prepares and ensures all “Kit Tests” and processed and sent out to performing Labs.

Blood product duties

• ­Assist with maintaining and managing an adequate inventory of perishable blood products and ensuring that excessive waste does not occur. Monitor products stored in refrigerators and incubators.
• ­Choose appropriate blood products for patients based on urgency of need, available inventory, lab results, and therapeutic requirements. Consult with Medical Technologist, as necessary.
• ­Issue and return blood products according to SOP and documenting in computer system. Respond appropriately to alerts.
• ­Document transactions involving blood products correctly and legibly.
• ­Document proper temperature and appearance of blood products during storage and while in transit.
• ­Participate in Quality Assurance activities as assigned.
• ­Calibrate equipment as assigned.
• ­Organize, check for accuracy, and report blood product usage statistics as assigned.

Laboratory testing duties

• ­Performs urine dipsticks and centrifuges urines for microscopy.
• ­Performs kit testing for example, strep A, urine hCG.
• Performs testing with accuracy, speed, and efficiency, using the Beckman Coulter AU700, Beckman Coulter Access2, and Sysmex XN instruments. ­
• Follows written procedures and policies. ­
• Other laboratory duties as needed 

• A Certificate or associate degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program; OR 
• Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemistry or biological science, plus one year experience in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT)or equivalent); OR 
• Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent);

Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, material, techniques, regulations, and safety.
• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping, and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in using different computer systems, including word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, EMR, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently, within established guidelines to adjust to rapidly changing priorities and apply critical thinking skills. 

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant - CLMA, AMT, ASCP or equivalent

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and

holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building.