Laboratory Assistant

Under general supervision and according to specific and detailed procedures, accurately performs specific pre-analytical and post-analytical tasks.

• Prioritizes incoming specimens; processes patient specimens in accordance with department safety and OSHA guidelines.
• Ensures stats and other critical tests are accurately and immediately processed.
• Documents specimen problems and refers to supervisor or other lead designee.
• May draw blood samples from patients based on physicians order and in accordance with departmental safety and OSHA guidelines.
• Verifies patients identification and collects insurance information.
• Generates and attaches labels to specimen/blood samples; may perform specimen processing and aliquoting according to pre-established test requirements.
• Ensures specimen integrity by verifying patient identification and ensures the sample submitted is appropriate given the requested test.
• Sorts, racks, and delivers specimens to appropriate testing laboratory.
• Accurately enters and reviews laboratory test data in the laboratory computer system; detects and corrects errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards.
• Communicates with patients to explain procedures and/or answers routine questions from physicians, nurses, or other appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Maintains a neat and clean work area; stocks storage area with supplies and inventories as necessary.
• Cleans glassware, equipment, and small instruments.
• May perform transportation duties (e.g. delivers specimens and reports); time stamps or computer verifies all laboratory requests; may order tests in the system.
• May conduct routine inspection, maintenance and quality control checks on equipment (e.g. records temperatures).
• Reports unusual findings timely to supervisor or lead designee.
• May prepare the patient for and/or administer tolerance tests or other tests specific to assigned area.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties such as answering the telephone, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, or relaying a message to the appropriate personnel.
• Self-monitors their individual work behavior and performance to make improvements.
• Communicates training and development needs to management.
• Complies with departmental safety policies and procedures and OSHA guidelines, including the use of applicable personal protective equipment.
• Responsible to check organizational communication daily (i.e. Outlook, laboratory software, posted notices, etc.)
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent education required.
• Candidate must have six (6) months experience in medical training, and/or certification in a health care environment or related science field.
• Basic studies in medical terminology or a related health science field preferred.
• Customer service experience in a service environment preferred.
• For Phlebotomists - Phlebotomy Certification is preferred.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Health savings accounts, healthcare C dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder C childcare, auto C home insurance

DMC University Laboratories, Inc. is a regional, integrated laboratory system providing services to the eight hospitals of Detroit Medical Center.