Medical Lab Assistant

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe.

Role Overview:

Processing of patient samples for analysis. This includes reviewing appropriateness of requests, accessioning, centrifugation, aliquotting, placing samples on analyzers, performed waived lab tests, archiving and sample preparation for specimens sent to another laboratory for testing. Maintains competency in the assigned duties in the laboratory; record keeping of reagents, chemicals and instrument Service Contracts; telephone coverage and other related duties. Works under direct supervision of senior technologist, laboratory Supervisor or manager of the clinical laboratory.

Key Qualifications:

Accessioning

Time: 20%

Reviews Order Entry orders and requisitions, verifies accuracy of corresponding specimens, and enters required data into computer as detailed in the laboratory’s standard operating procedures.
1.Receives and, if necessary, accessions all samples as soon as they arrive in the laboratory. Follows established procedures for accessioning specimens in the laboratory computer system.
2.Reviews all test requests thoroughly for errors, omissions, clarity, and potential problems.
3.Checks that test requests are appropriate for specimen received and that specimen meets all requirements before proceeding with accessioning (e.g., assures correct specimens based on color of tube top against requested tests).
4.Contacts physicians and/or nurses to obtain necessary information and or additional specimens as needed. Documents the information correctly.
5.Prioritizes STAT/RUSH samples for immediate processing, per laboratory guidelines.
6.Accurately enters into the computer the correct information such as order test codes, copy to, and billing information, according to laboratory guidelines. Generates labels.
7.Follows patient identification practices as detailed in Standard Operating Procedures Manual. Verifies that the name on requisition or Order Entry order matches the name on specimen and on all specimen labels. Maintains 100% accuracy on all labeling of specimens and computer entry. Discards unlabeled specimens and notifies physician/nurse immediately.
8.Follows all applicable laboratory, departmental and institutional policies and procedures related to billing.
Participates in and promotes the prevention, detection and resolution of instances of noncompliance with laboratory, departmental and institutional billing policies and procedures.
9.Follows established credit procedures when criteria for satisfactory specimen are not met.
10.Maintains patient and HIV confidentiality according to laboratory policy,
11.Always follows Patient Confidentiality guidelines. Releases information only to those who are authorized. Accesses patient information on a need to know basis. Discards all confidential patient information according to Laboratory Confidentiality policy.
12.Notifies supervisor of any problems that occur during the accessioning process.

Specimen Preparation and Processing

Time: 30%

Prepares specimens for testing or sending out to another laboratory for testing.
1.Reviews name on labels and attaches labels to appropriate specimen tubes.
2.Places and sorts labeled specimen on racks and transports to appropriate processing area.
3.Maintains 100% accuracy on all labeling of specimens.
4.Alerts technologists of STAT requests to ensure prompt processing and analysis.
5.Centrifuges specimens following the procedures detailed in the Standard Operating Procedures Manual.
6.Prepares specimens for sending out to another laboratory utilizing the laboratory computer system.
• Properly aliquot the specimens according to specimen requirements
• Sort specimens according to location
• Makes arrangements for pickup of specimens (e.g., main lab STAT specimens, reference laboratories).
• Maintain supplies for the processing area (e.g., requisitions, special tubes, shipping labels, biohazards bags, shipping logs, etc)
7.Maintains an efficient, accurate and organized send-out section.
8.Resolves specimen delivery issues for any specimens sent to another laboratory for testing.
9.Notifies transportation department of samples delivered in error and arranges for transportation department to pick-up and transport specimen to the correct laboratory.
10.Rotates through assigned work areas of the section.
11.Assists with specimen archiving, including capping of tubes and discarding of older specimens when expired.
12.Filing of archived specimens for easy retrieval.
13. Places specimen racks on analyzers and starts instrument processing.
14. Performs waived testing as per SOP under the supervision of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Telephone Coverage/Reception

Time: 10%

Uses correct telephone techniques and procedures when receiving and making calls and greets visitors appropriately.
1.Answers calls with full laboratory name and offer of assistance; allows no more than three rings before answering assigned lines.
2.Displays interest and gives callers personal attention (e.g., offers assistance, uses caller’s name, and speaks in a pleasant and energetic tone of voice).
3.Takes and distributes accurate, complete, legible messages on a timely basis; always requests messages from caller; identifies urgent calls and hand delivers such messages immediately.
4.Routes calls immediately to the individual requested; if individual is not in work area. Pages supervisor when designated individuals call and under defined emergency situations.
5.Directs callers to appropriate individuals when questions cannot be answered or potential problems arise.
6.Uses proper telephone techniques when transferring calls: Provides necessary information to caller (e.g. department, person, number). Introduces caller by providing caller’s name and reason for call before hanging up.
7.Asks permission and provides options before placing callers on hold. Returns to caller if hold time exceeds one minute.
8.Returns calls on a timely basis.
9.Prepares for making telephone calls by having all necessary, relevant information organized and readily available.
10.Always introduces self by name and laboratory and provides reasons for call when contacting individuals outside the laboratory.
11.Assures complete telephone coverage during all breaks and when leaving workstation.
12.Greets visitors appropriately. Provides directions to other areas of the laboratory. Notifies laboratory members of visitors’ arrivals.

Results Management

Time: 15%

Prepares and maintains organized laboratory requisition and result files.
1.Files laboratory requisitions in an organized manner per laboratory guidelines.
2.Maintains results on premises or electronically and prepares older reports for pick-up and storage.
3.Files requisitions in proper locations based on requisition date. Keeps filing up-to-date to assure requested requisitions are immediately available.
4.Photocopies reports as requested.
5.Produce well formatted documents as requested (e.g., letters, spreadsheets, forms) utilizing various computer applications.
4.Participates in downtime procedures ensuring timely distribution of lab reports.

Quality Assurance

Time: 5%

Participates in the Quality Assurance program in the laboratory.
1)Participates in laboratory Performance Improvement/Quality Assurance projects as assigned.
2)Assures the accuracy of all test accessioned and processed by adhering to the laboratory’s Quality Control and Standard Operation Procedures.
3)Performs routine use of equipment, e.g. centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, if applicable.

Care for Environment /Safety

Time: 5%

Contributes to the upkeep and safety of the laboratory and assures a clean, safe, adequately supplied work area.
1)Follows all infection control and safety regulations per laboratory guidelines
2)Follows standard precautions for all specimen handling and disposal
3)Wears laboratory coat and gloves at all times when handling specimens. Uses additional appropriate protective equipment when necessary. Takes off all dirty personal protective equipment before leaving area. Follows the dress code guidelines
4)Maintains a neat, clean, organized work area. Keeps working supplies at work area and resupplies work area, ensuring that sufficient supplies are available and organized when work is complete.
5)Creates and maintains an environment that places emphasis on laboratory safety. Works with coworkers and management to correct any condition that has the potential to have a negative impact on correct laboratory safety.

Materials Management

Time: 15%

Submits, processes and follows up on orders for laboratory supplies and equipment. Tracks equipment maintenance and repairs.
1.Assists in establishment and maintenance of an inventory system to control purchasing activity utilizing various computer applications.
2.Receives and unpacks reagents, chemicals and supplies ordered.
3.Labels reagents and chemicals according to regulatory agencies.
4.Assists in establishment and maintenance of equipment records, which can be in the form of maintenance contracts or records of maintenance performed, utilizing various computer systems. Places service calls on various pieces of equipment when needed.
5.Maintains an organized and secure supply area and reagent storage area to ensure easy access to reagents, chemicals and supplies.

Core Skills:

recruiter add

Pay Range: $23.54 - $35.44

FSLA Status: Non-Exempt

Closing:

At MSK, we believe in fair, competitive pay that reflects your job, experience, and skills.

MSK is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran status or any other factor which cannot lawfully be used as a basis for an employment decision.  

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.