Technical Laboratory Assistant

Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) is Hawaii’s largest locally owned and operated medical testing laboratory. DLS is considered a leader in the Hawaii, Guam and Saipan communities we serve. As an integral part of the patient care team, DLS uses state of the art testing and value-based informatics to promote optimal patient care and positively impact patient outcomes.

SCHEDULE

Various Schedules available

Must be flexible with schedule changes to meet operational needs.

HIRING RANGE

$18.00 to $22.36 hourly

Actual pay commensurate with experience

JOB SUMMARY

Performs defined preparatory portions of laboratory procedures under the direction of licensed personnel, including administrative, accessioning, processing, testing, instrument maintenance and/or other duties as assigned. May perform waived, Provider Performed Microscopy Procedures (PPMP), and Point of Care Testing (POCT) as authorized by the laboratory director and allowed per CLIA/HAR.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Listed below are major duties and responsibilities of this position. Essential job functions are identified with an asterisk (*). See chart with %s.
2. Performs accessioning of specimen orders.
   1. Obtains and/or verify pertinent patient information for laboratory testing and/or billing purposes.
   2. Verifies information on requisitions for accuracy; obtains information as needed to ensure completeness.
   3. Enters specimen information into Laboratory Information Systems (LIS). 
   4. Creates Test in Question (TIQs) that would affect testing. 
   5. Orders “add-on testing” per departments’ procedures. 
3. Processes specimens for testing.
   1. Operates lab equipment such as but not limited to centrifuges, vortex mixers, etc.   
   2. Informs supervisor of occurrences affecting lab tests, such as but not limited to specimen quality, equipment problems or unusual patient data.
   3. Processes and handles specimens to maintain specimen integrity according to established procedures.
   4. Centrifuges specimens and prepares aliquots.
   5. Identifies, prepares and processes specimens for testing, transport or shipping, including but not limited to labeling, handling, preserving or fixing specimens.
   6. Monitors TIQ worklist for timely resolution of problem specimens.
   7. Process specimens for research and correlation studies.
   8. Loads and unloads specimens onto individual testing equipment or lab automation system (LAS), as applicable. 
4. Performs receiving of specimens.
   1. Verifies receipt of specimens in lab computer system, including interfaced lab orders.
   2. Monitors pending lists and conducts investigation of missing specimens. 
5. Performs maintenance according to department SOP. 
6. Administrative and other laboratory duties.
   1. Archives and retrieves specimens from storages for add-on testing and discards specimens upon expiration of storage period.
   2. Organizes, racks, and maintains departmental storage of specimens such as but not limited to blood, urines, and body fluids.
   3. Processes shipments of supplies and verifies inventory.
   4. Disposes of waste items properly.
   5. May move equipment or necessary supplies for lab use or disposal, such as CO2 Tanks.
   6. Operates laboratory computer system(s) and performs necessary tasks, which may include the use of various functions to resolve problems and extract pertinent information.
   7. Answers telephone, receives and relays messages which may include messages regarding specimen pick-up, laboratory reports, test orders, etc.
   8. Maintains files and retrieves material according to established systems and procedures.
   9. Monitors and orders supplies required to perform duties.
   10. Keeps abreast of new or revised technical procedures in department's procedure manual.
   11. Works with clients and/or departments to resolve problems.
7. Technical Laboratory Assistant I Non-Hospital Duties and Essential Functions by Department

Core Job Duties

Core Laboratory

Microbiology

Molecular

Guam

Client Services

Administrative & Laboratory Duties

10%

10%

10%

10%

40%

Accessioning/Processing/Receiving*

60%

80%

60%

30%

60%

Waived, POCT & PPMP and preparatory portion of testing*

20%

5%

10%

200%

0%

Running Quality Control (QC) Maintenance*

10%

5%

20%

10%

0%

Specimen Collections*

0%

0%

0%

30%

0%

1. Performs other duties as required.
2. Job expectations:
   1. Communicates relevant information to team members, supervisor, and other appropriate people in a timely and appropriate manner.
   2. Supports organizational performance and strategy by providing information and contributing to quality improvements, as appropriate. 
   3. Observes all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with DLS safety policies and procedures.  Reports unsafe actions/conditions and injuries to supervisor promptly. 
   4. Identifies and analyzes problems; makes decisions and takes appropriate action(s).
   5. Assists internal and external customers with questions, concerns, problems, etc. 
   6. Maintains a positive work climate and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
   7. Maintains attendance as scheduled/assigned, consistent with DLS policies and procedures.
   8.  Attends and/or participates in activities such as, but not limited to, meetings, required in-service programs, continuing education, and competency assessments. 
   9. Models the behaviors consistent with the mission, vision and shared values of the organization.
   10. Maintains confidentiality of information in accordance with company policies and procedures. 

JOB DEMANDS

Communication Demands:

• Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Able to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Able to effectively communicate information to internal and external customers in informal settings such as one-on-one and small group situations.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Requires manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Distinguishes and identifies color.
• In an eight (8) hour workday requires frequently standing 
• In an eight (8) hour workday requires frequently sitting.
• Requires ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to lab coats, gloves, face shields, and respiratory equipment.
• May require keying intermittently up to seven (7) hours a day.
• May require occasional lifting and carrying of supplies weighing up to thirty five (35) pounds.

Typical Working Conditions:

• Work environment includes conditions common to a hospital/laboratory environment, including working directly with potentially hazardous chemicals and/or patients with communicable diseases.  Potential for inadvertent skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other infectious materials. 
• Generally works in an indoor, air-conditioned area.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in related science field (such as but not limited to Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, etc.).

Experience:

Preferred:

• Two (2) years patient care or equivalent public contact experience.

Skills:

Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to flexible in a fast paced environment
• Ability to learn laboratory SOP’s.
• Ability to be a strong team player.

Equal Opportunity Employer/AA/Disability/Vet