Lab Assistant

Performs a variable number of tasks pertaining to pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical process for waived and moderately complex procedures on body fluids and tissue to detect and measure components of health or disease. Under the supervision of a CLS or CLT the incumbent ensures that accurate results are reported in a timely manner to aid the physician in the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the patient.

• Follows age specific care guidelines in collecting specimens from the various age categories of neonate, child, adolescent, adult and elderly.
• Collects specimens using the proper procedures & protocols.
• Observes principles of phlebotomy.
• Answers the phone readily and in a friendly, welcoming manner.
• Assists customers willingly at the Receiving Desk.
• Receives in specimens from ED, Outpatient areas and Nursing floors expeditiously and prioritizes work for optimum turnaround time.
• Matches barcode label with proper specimen upon receipt of specimen, ALWAYS checking two patient identifiers (Name and DOB).
• Always includes initials when labeling ANY specimen.
• Sorts specimens by testing site/analyzer and delivers to correct location.
• Receives and distributes specimens according to highest priority (i.e. ED, STAT, TS, Routine)
• Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance on label printers.
• Informs Lab IT staff when a printer is not working appropriately.
• Locates and retrieves specimens in storage for additional testing.
• Determines acceptability of specimens within guidelines.
• Follows protocol in labeling pour-offs. .
• Stores specimens under appropriate conditions as quickly as possible.
• Prepares reagents / standards / calibrators correctly and ensures they are dated & of sufficient quantity.
  
  
  
  • Recognizes inappropriate specimens; rejects.
  • Assigns complete and accurate source with microbiology specimens; logs specimens into microbiology with correct date and time.
  • Selects appropriate culture media, incubation temps and atmosphere for microbiology cultures.
  • Organizes and prioritizes work for optimum turnaround time.
  • Observes safety guidelines.
  • Streaks plates with good standard isolation technique or for quantification (colony counts).
  • Recognizes appropriate selection of test orders.
  • Performs processing/ordering functions correctly using the Lab Information System
  • Assists in referral services as needed
  • Loads specimens on instruments as appropriate.
  
  
  
  

• Follows testing protocols.
• Performs waived and moderately complex test procedures with care and accuracy.
• Makes dilutions accurately; calculates correctly.
• Selects appropriate culture media, incubation temp, and atmosphere for microbiology cultures
• Performs proficiency testing successfully.
• Ensures quality of work by performing QC at required intervals, performing calibrations and footnoting QC following calibration, investigating cause of out-of-control QC and resolves before testing is resumed. Ensures that outdated materials (kits, QC, or reagents) are not used; uses oldest outdate first.
• Ensures timeliness of testing by organizing work for minimal turnaround time, performing work in careful manner to minimize repeat testing and turnaround time, referring testing to alternate sites if in-place systems are not operable.
• Delivers blood at the Methodist Campus accurately to the floors. Refers all bedside typing to CLT/CLS.

• Refers all questionable results to a CLS or CLT to direct further action.
• Enters data/results properly and carefully, including required notification and documentation.
• Reviews data entry before resulting to minimize clerical errors.
• Uses computer functions to access information necessary for resulting out data and/or giving out results to customers.
• Troubleshoots instrumentation independently and with the vendor.
• Addresses unresolved equipment problems to CLS or CLT.
• Returns proficiency testing results completely and in a timely manner.
• Communicates all information necessary to subsequent shifts for completion of testing process or problem resolution.

• Supports same shift co-workers by assisting in department support activities: calibrates pipettes, takes temperatures, dates all kits, QC, reagents in use, dates and restocks reagents and supplies, washes pipettes & glassware, empties red-bagged garbage, unpacks boxes from receiving and documents receipt, alerts appropriate person if inventory is low.
• Cleans and maintains instruments, refrigerators, freezers and work and storage areas.
• Displays a willingness and interest in learning new instruments or procedures or in cross training into other areas where testing by CLA is allowed.
• Generates electronic messages and completes data sheets using computer capabilities. Provides support for other laboratory sections where possible and helps to maintain lounge areas used in all sections.
• Assists blood bank as needed, delivers blood at the Methodist Campus.
• Resolves problems assigned by technical staff and reports solutions in a timely manner.

Find it here.

Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. The supportive and inclusive team where you can thrive. The place where growth meets balance - and opportunities meet flexibility. Find it all at Carle Health.

Based in Urbana, IL, Carle Health is a healthcare system with nearly 16,600 team members in its eight hospitals, physician groups and a variety of healthcare businesses. Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet designations, the nation's highest honor for nursing care. The system includes Methodist College and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering-based medical school, and Health Alliance. We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. | For more information: human.resources@carle.com.