Lab Assistant II
Quest Diagnostics
Summary
Performs various routine laboratory functions in a precise and accurate fashion to assist the laboratory professional staff and to facilitate production.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation.
- Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens and load automated instruments).
- Record digital temperature; notify licensed personnel if temperature is out of range.
- Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment.
- Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions.
- Clean, organize and maintain work area, glassware and laboratory equipment (e.g., refrigerators, freezers and supply cabinets, as needed).
- Assist with monitoring the department pending and overdue lists, which includes, searching, locating, following up and filing appropriate documentation.
- Perform other departmental tasks such as filing, archiving and retrieving slides/blocks, reports, requisitions/other paperwork and answering the telephone.
- Dispose of biohazardous material.
- Enter data in laboratory information systems (LIS).
- Perform QA/QC duties as assigned.
- Complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
- Comply with all health and safety policies, procedures and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Work Experience: One (1) year full-time experience in a technical or clinical laboratory department.
Physical and Mental Requirements
- The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects: Objects 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally; objects 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried and objects over 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time.
- Frequent walking and/or standing.
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses all of which demand significant manual dexterity.
Knowledge
Basic knowledge of organizational/departmental policies and procedures.
Skills
- Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an on-going basis and retain the information once learned.
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and to handle several tasks simultaneously for maximum department efficiency.
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients.
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma is Preferred - Florida Only (Required)
Requirements
- One (1) year full-time experience in a technical or clinical laboratory department
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Ability to stand and work at the bench for long periods of time
- Frequent walking and/or standing
- May be required to use a wide variety of manual and automated pipettes and laboratory instruments and apparatuses
- Must demonstrate the ability to follow a series of steps without confusion or errors on an on-going basis and retain the information once learned
- Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, establish work priorities and to handle several tasks simultaneously
- Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, co-workers and clients
- Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Well-being programs
- Health assessment program
- Mental health program
- Vacation and Flex Time
- Paid holidays
- Financial coaching
- 401(k) with company match
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual incentive plans
- Matching gifts program
- Education assistance
- Career advancement opportunities
Company overview
Quest Diagnostics is a leading provider of diagnostic information services, operating one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the United States. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, the company offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing services including routine blood tests, genetic testing, molecular diagnostics, and anatomic pathology. Quest serves approximately one-third of American adults and physicians annually through its network of approximately 2,250 patient service centers and extensive outreach operations. The company processes over 500,000 test requests daily, providing critical data that helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care. Quest Diagnostics has been at the forefront of diagnostic innovation, developing advanced testing capabilities for cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. The company plays a vital role in public health through its participation in disease surveillance and population health management initiatives.