Job Detail

Position Summary:

The primary functions of the Laboratory Assistant I are specimen collection, specimen handling and transport, specimen processing– including reference laboratory specimen processing and microbiology specimen processing clerical support, inventory monitoring, and assisting the Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the performance of automated, semi-automated and manual procedures in the clinical laboratory.

Major Position Responsibilities:

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

• Maintains a safe, clean working environment, including unit based safety and infection control requirements.
• Perform specimen collections, includes venipuncture and capillary sticks.
• Process specimens received in the laboratory. This task includes specimen transport, handling, sorting, requisition entry, distribution of specimens to all laboratory sections.
• Centrifuge and aliquot specimens to appropriate containers.
• Enter blood culture bottles on the blood culture instrumentation.
• Answer the telephone, triage calls appropriately, take appropriate messages; review pending logs; locate samples for add on orders; look up patient reports on computer and give results to clinicians where appropriate.
• Assists in the Reception/Triage area of the Lab, as needed.
• Order tests in the LIS. Contact nursing units or physician’s offices to verify confusing incomplete or confusing orders or sample problems.
• Under the direct observation of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist, set up and load tests on instruments or procedures as determined by the section lead.
• Under the direct observation of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist, perform limited function checks and preventative maintenance on instruments and equipment.
• Take inventory of reagents and supplies and restock when needed; put away supplies as they are received.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• One year relevant work experience in a laboratory, preferred.
• Minimum 6 months Phlebotomy experience, preferred.
• Knowledge and ability to use medical terminology, preferred.
• Excellent professional communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Education:

• Meets education requirements for California CPT Certification.
• Associates degree (2 years college) in life science courses or equivalent, preferred.

• Current California Certified Phlebotomy Technician, required.

**To protect the health of patients and staff, and to comply with the new State of California mandates, all job offers are contingent on the successful engagement in the TCMC COVID-19 vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral.)**