Medical Laboratory Assistant

Northshore Medical Laboratory is a dynamic patient centered laboratory facility and is seeking the services of the following position to support our fast-paced, rapidly growing practice. We invite suitably qualified applicants to apply.

MEDICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

This role of a medical laboratory assistant entails various tasks such as specimen collection and handling, test performance, quality assurance, maintaining precise patient records, and providing assistance to the laboratory. The job requires a person who is highly organized, pays excellent attention to detail, and has exceptional communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Specimen Collection and Handling.
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    Patients are courteously received in the laboratory promptly.
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    Maintains the quality of specimens by properly collecting blood samples, employing appropriate anticoagulants, and using necessary methods of handling to ensure suitability of specimens for each requested analysis.
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    Recognizes inappropriate specimens and requests new specimens if determined unusable.
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    Communicates effectively with patients and other clinic personnel regarding specimen collection and transport.
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  Assist with Test performance.
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    Must maintain proficiency in performing all procedures provided within the laboratory. Including manual as well as automated test procedures.
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    When handling biological specimens, strict safety precautions must be observed, and a clean, orderly work area maintained.
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    Critical values are communicated to the physician or proxy upon completion of laboratory procedures.
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    Instrument problems are recognized and documented, and corrective action is initiated with findings reported to the Medical Laboratory Technologist or Laboratory Manager.
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    Absolute integrity inaccurate performance and reporting of results are maintained. Professional discretion is observed with patient information.
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    Work is consistently completed within acceptable time limits. Incumbents must have the ability to organize work during heavy workload situations to expedite results reporting. Must also be able to perform several tasks simultaneously during peak workload situations, prioritize test performance in response to STAT requests, and complete all required documentation as prescribed by the Laboratory Quality Management System for compliance and accreditation.
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  Quality Assurance.
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    Ensure established quality assurance policies are followed for all laboratory procedures to attest to the reliability of equipment and the stability of test reagents.
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    All routinely scheduled preventative maintenance is performed and documented to ensure optimal instrument operation.
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    All out-of-control results are documented and resolved in collaboration with the Medical Laboratory Technologist and/or Laboratory Manager before reporting patient results.
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    Additional tests are performed to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results where indicated.
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    Test results may not be signed off and/or released by the laboratory assistant.
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  Administrative duties.
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    Scheduling of lab appointments and following established protocols.
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    Testing requirements and collection instructions are effectively communicated to patients and other appropriate individuals.
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    Neat, legible records are maintained.
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    All working supplies are continually replenished. A weekly inventory of supplies is recorded, and additional stock is ordered as needed.

• Communicate effectively with patients, healthcare providers, and laboratory staff.
• Assist with maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment.
• Follow all safety protocols and regulations.

The duties and responsibilities described above should not be construed as a complete and exhaustive list as it is not the intention to limit in any way the scope of functions of this position. Duties and responsibilities can be amended, with appropriate consultation, from time to time by either addition, deletion or amendment by the Laboratory Director to meet any changing conditions.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

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  Direct Report: Laboratory Manager

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

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  Bachelor of Science degree required.
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  Minimum of two years experience in a multi-discipline laboratory environment.
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  Two (2) years of Phlebotomy experience or more required.
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  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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  Excellent interpersonal, organizational and customer service skills and proactive.
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  Proficiency in the use of ECW or similar EHR software and MS Office Suite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to communicate orally with patients, doctors, nurses, and others is crucial. Regular use of the telephone is important. Standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods is common. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is helpful for normal conversations, to receive ordinary information and to prepare or inspect documents.

Heavy lifting is not expected. Exertion of up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally may be required. Good manual dexterity for the use of common office and medical equipment such as computer terminals.

Good reasoning ability is required to solve a wide range of medical and emergency problems. Able to apply math skills and other analytics as required. Able to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stresses. Able to understand and utilize management reports, medical charts and other documents to conduct business.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The job is performed indoors in a traditional medical office or hospital setting. Exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions, as well as loud noises, unpleasant odours, and liquids may occur. Protective (safety) equipment, including appropriate clothing, shoes, gloves, goggles, and face mask, is required at times. Activities include extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting and extensive work with measuring devices and medical machinery.