Lab Associate I - AP Cytology Processing

Duties and Responsibilities

• Investigates and resolves missing samples in the department.
• Responds to "code purple" and documents findings.
• Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists as appropriate.
• Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.
• Liaison for the department and technical support.
• Creates manual testing worksheets in the department.
• Maintains files for department records.
• Reports problems/potential problems to the supervisor.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Assists with the department Improvement Program.
• Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing method comparisons, etc.
• Performs routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision.
• Assists in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
• Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
• Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
• Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
• Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities.
• Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures.
• Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies.
• Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use.
• Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
• Sorts and accessions incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivers to designated testing.
• Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
• Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
• Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
• Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor.
• Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages.
• Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
• Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
• Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
• Required to use personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

Education: High School Graduate or equivalent required. 2-3 years of college courses preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
• Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility.
• Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
• Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
• Ability to establish work priorities and to handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency.
• Good customer service skills important.
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
• Awareness of the factors that influence test results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong typing skills desirable.
• Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
• Other automation skills helpful.