Join a dedicated healthcare team serving the heart of the Midwest region. This role as a Laboratory Assistant I involves performing essential pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory tasks with precision and care.

General Summary

The Laboratory Assistant I prioritizes incoming specimens, ensuring they are processed according to departmental safety protocols. Responsibilities include reviewing pending logs, verifying physician orders, generating and attaching accurate labels, and timely distribution of specimens. The role requires effective communication with technologists regarding STAT orders and specimen processing to meet or exceed turnaround times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage specimen prioritization and processing with attention to detail and safety.
• Perform microbiology setups during second or third shifts as assigned.
• Answer specimen processing inquiries and relay messages to technologists.
• Conduct quality control procedures and report any discrepancies to supervisors.
• Collect chain of custody drug screens and follow glucose tolerance testing protocols.
• Review specimen types, volumes, and storage requirements to ensure proper accessioning.
• Maintain inventory of reference laboratory supplies and coordinate reordering.
• Clean and maintain equipment, work areas, and outpatient contact spaces.
• Collect specimens via venipuncture, capillary puncture, or arterial collections with minimal patient trauma, adhering to strict protocols.
• Ensure blood culture contamination rates remain below 3% and enter specimen comments as needed.
• Follow safety practices and hand hygiene protocols consistently.
• Provide clear instructions to patients regarding urine collection and dietary restrictions.
• Foster a respectful and dignified environment for patients and coworkers.

Education

High school diploma or GED is required.

Experience

At least one year of experience as a phlebotomist or laboratory assistant is necessary.

Certification/License

Certification is not mandatory, but PBT (ASCP) certification is preferred.

Mental/Physical Requirements

This position requires close mental and visual attention for short periods. Approximately 50% of the time is spent standing and walking throughout the department and facility. Ability to lift or carry up to 20 pounds is necessary.

Working Conditions

Exposure to infectious materials is constant. The work environment is air-conditioned with moderate noise levels. Flexibility to work any shift is required.