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
- Listed below are major duties and responsibilities of this position. Essential job functions are identified with an asterisk (*). See chart with %s.
- Performs accessioning of specimen orders.
- Obtains and/or verify pertinent patient information for laboratory testing and/or billing purposes.
- Verifies information on requisitions for accuracy; obtains information as needed to ensure completeness.
- Enters specimen information into Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
- Creates Test in Question (TIQs) that would affect testing.
- Orders “add-on testing” per departments’ procedures.
- Processes specimens for testing.
- Operates lab equipment such as but not limited to centrifuges, vortex mixers, etc.
- Informs supervisor of occurrences affecting lab tests, such as but not limited to specimen quality, equipment problems or unusual patient data.
- Processes and handles specimens to maintain specimen integrity according to established procedures.
- Centrifuges specimens and prepares aliquots.
- Identifies, prepares and processes specimens for testing, transport or shipping, including but not limited to labeling, handling, preserving or fixing specimens.
- Monitors TIQ worklist for timely resolution of problem specimens.
- Process specimens for research and correlation studies.
- Loads and unloads specimens onto individual testing equipment or lab automation system (LAS), as applicable.
- Performs receiving of specimens.
- Verifies receipt of specimens in lab computer system, including interfaced lab orders.
- Monitors pending lists and conducts investigation of missing specimens.
- Performs maintenance according to department SOP.
- Administrative and other laboratory duties.
- Archives and retrieves specimens from storages for add-on testing and discards specimens upon expiration of storage period.
- Organizes, racks, and maintains departmental storage of specimens such as but not limited to blood, urines, and body fluids.
- Processes shipments of supplies and verifies inventory.
- Disposes of waste items properly.
- May move equipment or necessary supplies for lab use or disposal, such as CO2 Tanks.
- Operates laboratory computer system(s) and performs necessary tasks, which may include the use of various functions to resolve problems and extract pertinent information.
- Answers telephone, receives and relays messages which may include messages regarding specimen pick-up, laboratory reports, test orders, etc.
- Maintains files and retrieves material according to established systems and procedures.
- Monitors and orders supplies required to perform duties.
- Keeps abreast of new or revised technical procedures in department's procedure manual.
- Works with clients and/or departments to resolve problems.
- 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%
- Performs other duties as required.
- Job expectations:
- Communicates relevant information to team members, supervisor, and other appropriate people in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Supports organizational performance and strategy by providing information and contributing to quality improvements, as appropriate.
- 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.
- Identifies and analyzes problems; makes decisions and takes appropriate action(s).
- Assists internal and external customers with questions, concerns, problems, etc.
- Maintains a positive work climate and effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
- Maintains attendance as scheduled/assigned, consistent with DLS policies and procedures.
- Attends and/or participates in activities such as, but not limited to, meetings, required in-service programs, continuing education, and competency assessments.
- Models the behaviors consistent with the mission, vision and shared values of the organization.
- 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