Laboratory Assistant - DASH Unit

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Title: Laboratory Assistant - DASH Unit

$18.98 - $29.11 / Posted Thru: 10/9/2026

Location: In Person - Lansing, Michigan

Tuesday Thru Friday - 6:00 am - 2:30 pm

Saturday - 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Purpose: The function of this position is to work at a variety of activities within the specimen receiving and accessioning area of the Data and Specimen Handling (DASH) Central Receiving Unit. Work is performed under well-defined guidelines and guidance and direction are available as needed. A moderate level of judgment is required in the performance of the work.

• Retrieve incoming clinical specimens from mail room or designated pickup points.
• Sort incoming clinical specimens by laboratory destination.
• Sub-sort, screen, and accession clinical specimens by type of test requested.
• Prepare and enter clinical specimens by type of test requested.
• Perform aseptic manipulation of clinical samples pre analytically to prepare the sample for testing.
• Deliver clinical specimens to the appropriate laboratory for testing, with test requisition forms if required.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the clinical specimen sorting and accessioning area including tools and equipment.
• Enter clinical specimen and environmental data from submitter's test requisition forms into various archival databases.
• File hard copies of specimen data from submitter's test requisition forms in the Unit's file system.
• Retrieve and/or distribute specimen data from archival databases and/or hard copy file system upon laboratory personnel request or public inquiry by mail, phone, or FAX.
• Answer telephones to route calls.
• Actively participate in the appropriate disposal and/or recycling of specimen shipping containers.
• Operate steam autoclaves according to accepted safety and sterilization techniques.
• Participate in the copying, sorting, and distribution of outgoing mail.
• Close/open the office following documented procedures and security policy.
• Completes preventative maintenance work orders on laboratory equipment and facility as assigned.
• Properly pack and ship Dangerous and Non-Dangerous clinical specimens to the appropriate laboratory.
• Review and forward a variety of proficiency samples to appropriate laboratories for processing.
• Notify appropriate laboratory that proficiency has been forwarded to them for processing.
• Maintain appropriate records for verification of proper CDC specimen and proficiency processing.
• Participate in federal exercises for shipping and receiving of Bioterrorism and Chemical Terrorism samples.
• Evaluate incoming sample packaging as a part of statewide shipping competencies.
• Ensure that sample received is correct form testing and that the sample is acceptable per BOL testing requirements.
• Ensure that all information required by federal regulations is present on a MDCH test request form.
• Ensure that all specimens received with the Bureau of Laboratories have clear identification present.
• Contact submitters regarding missing information and obtain information either verbally or in written form.
• Amend and correct reports and database information based on information obtained from submitters.
• Represent the best interest of MDHHS and MPHI at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Education for this position can typically be obtained through completion of a high school diploma

Experience: A minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience is required. Clinical laboratory experience is preferred. A desire to participate in laboratory support functions in a variety of capacities is desired.

• The ability to stand for long periods of time.
• The ability to stoop, lift, and carry large, awkward, or heavy boxes often more than 20 pounds in weight.
• The ability to enter data using a computer keyboard.
• The ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• The ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• The ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public.

An employee working with specimens of human origin is required to employ "universal precautions" in the laboratory; that is, to treat each specimen as if it were capable of disease transmission and to use personal protection devices such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats to prevent…