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 tasks to support laboratory operations. You will prioritize and process incoming specimens following strict safety guidelines, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution to technologists. Responsibilities include reviewing orders for accuracy, generating and attaching labels, and managing specimen logistics to meet or exceed turnaround times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prioritize and process specimens according to safety and quality standards.
• Review pending logs and orders for accuracy and completeness.
• Generate and attach specimen labels, verifying patient information carefully.
• Communicate with technologists regarding STAT orders and resolve processing conflicts.
• Perform microbiology setups during second or third shifts as assigned.
• Answer specimen processing inquiries and relay messages appropriately.
• Conduct quality control procedures and report any discrepancies.
• Collect chain of custody drug screens and follow glucose tolerance testing protocols.
• Manage inventory of reference laboratory supplies and coordinate reordering.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and equipment.
• Collect specimens using venipuncture, capillary puncture, or arterial collections with minimal patient discomfort.
• Adhere to safety practices and hand hygiene protocols consistently.
• Provide patient instructions for urine collection and dietary restrictions as needed.
• Foster a respectful and dignified environment for patients and coworkers.

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Experience: Minimum of one year experience as a phlebotomist or laboratory assistant.

Certification/License: None required; however, PBT (ASCP) certification is preferred.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Requires close mental and visual attention for short periods. Approximately 50% of the time is spent standing and walking throughout the department. Must be able to lift or carry up to 20 pounds.

Working Conditions: Frequent exposure to infectious materials. Work environment is air-conditioned with moderate noise levels. Flexibility to work any shift as needed.