Medical Laboratory Assistant 1 - Flagstaff Medical Center

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
• Laboratory Procedures:
  • 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.
• • 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.
• • Participate in proficiency testing programs and assist in the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
• • Perform New lot/new shipment QC and monthly QC
• Inventory Management:
  • Assess inventory daily
• • Put away reagents and supplier orders
• Data Integrity:
  • Ensure the integrity and confidentiality of patient data and laboratory records.
• • Follow data management best practices and assist in maintaining data security.
• Compliance/Safety:
  • Perform instrument maintenance as outlined.
• • Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
• • 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
• * 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