Medical Laboratory Assistant

Overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant is a vital member of the Laboratory team in a hospital setting. This individual plays a key role in supporting the MLT/MLS in performing a variety of laboratory procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The primary responsibilities include specimen processing, specimen shipping (send-outs), analyzer loading, waived testing, PCR testing, laboratory maintenance, data entry, and adherence to quality control and safety protocols.

This is a supportive role that does not include resulting reporting.

• Specimen Processing:
  Load samples onto laboratory analyzers as needed
• Specimen acceptability for testing
• Specimen prioritization and distribution
• Specimen processing (e.g., centrifugation, aliquoting)
• Specimen storage; specimen transport
• Special handling considerations (time, temperature, and light)
• Specimen transport to include preparation for shipment, specimen requirement verification, packing, tracking and follow-up on send-out specimens
• Receive and log clinical specimens for microbiological analysis
• Prepare slides for microscopic examination and perform initial culture setup
• Preparation, labeling, and staining of slides
• Waived testing
• Microbiology setup and plating
• Processes related to reagents, standards, and controls
• Analytical instrumentation (loading, test initiation, error recognition and reporting, specimen dilution, and calibrations)
• Quality control
• Critical values and STAT results
• Result retrieval and reporting
• Inventory maintenance
• Data Entry and Record Keeping:
  Accurately enter and maintain laboratory patient information in the laboratory information system (LIS)
• Maintain detailed records of all laboratory procedures, ensuring completeness and compliance with regulatory standards
• Data Entry and Record Keeping:
  Accurately enter and maintain laboratory patient information in the laboratory information system (LIS)
• Maintain detailed records of all laboratory procedures, ensuring completeness and compliance with regulatory standards
• Quality Control:
  Follow established quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results
• Quality Control:
  Participate in proficiency testing programs and assist in the implementation of quality improvement initiatives
• Quality Control:
  Perform New lot/new shipment QC and monthly QC
• Inventory Management:
  Assess inventory daily
• Inventory Management:
  Put away reagents and supplier orders
• Data Integrity:
  Ensure the integrity and confidentiality of patient data and laboratory records
• Data Integrity:
  Follow data management best practices and assist in maintaining data security
• Compliance/Safety:
  Perform instrument maintenance as outlined
• Compliance/Safety:
  Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment
• Compliance/Safety:
  Comply with regulatory requirements and assist in audits and inspections
• Other
  
  Essential Functions:
  
  Undertake additional special project responsibilities and tasks as delegated by the Clinical Microbiologist II, Clinical Leads, MLS, MLT, Clinical Supervisors, Laboratory Manager, and/or Laboratory Director
• Other
  
  Essential Functions:
  
  Act as a float and assist in areas of demand as needed

• Education:
  
  Bachelor s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
  
  - Required
• Certification & Licensures: ASCP Medical Laboratory Assistant Certification - Preferred
• Experience:
  
  Previous experience in a clinical laboratory setting is preferred, but may not be necessary depending on other factors such as certifications and college education