Lab Associate -Full Time – Wyoming Medical Center – Casper, WY

The Lab Associate is responsible for the accurate pre-analytical processing of laboratory specimens and ensuring delivery of specimens to the appropriate laboratory section. These responsibilities include handling the bio-hazardous and infections material in compliance with proper safety precautions. He/she also is responsible for assisting client services and technical associates in the laboratories to resolve specimen quality and integrity concerns. As a part of the Laboratory team, the Lab Associate I understands and adheres to the standards and practices of quality patient care. He/she is committed to providing accurate and timely results to our customers. She/he is highly motivated and professional in responding to all laboratory situations.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) with at least one month of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

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Certifications, Licenses and Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record (i.e., ability to be insured by Wyoming Medical Center’s policy carrier) are required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Duties and Responsibilities:

• The employee shall comply with all safety and health standards, and all rules, regulations, and orders which are applicable to the individual’s own position, actions, and conduct.
• Verifies that correct specimen and labeling requirements are met for test orders.
• Correctly and accurately registers and labels specimen tubes in compliance with policies and procedures. Answers pneumatic tube system in a timely fashion
• Centrifuges and aliquots specimens according to department policy.
• Performs pre-analytical processing, including microbiology.
• Appropriately sorts, stores, and delivers laboratory specimens by department and specimen requirements.
• Works with staff and clients to resolve specimen problems.
• Answers telephones, screens, calls, and provides caller assistance as needed. Demonstrates excellent phone etiquette skills.
• Handles outside requisitions in terms of registering, ordering, crediting, etc.
• Receives specimens coming into the lab from internal and external sources.
• Monitors collections of specimens in a timely and systematic way.
• Reviews outstanding lab orders and follows up to ensure completion or otherwise resolve them.
• Fully utilizes laboratory information system: pulls lists/logs and understands their use; receives specimens; orders, reschedules, and adds tests; credits appropriately; appends information; tracks data; prints and distributes reports; uses appropriate English text codes; understands specimen label information; looks up orders and results; and understands use of query functions.
• Participates in laboratory quality improvement activities as requested or needed. Identifies trends and initiates or facilitates problem solving efforts.
• Examines specimens for condition, acceptability, identification, and integrity, and documents appropriately.
• Understands and follows quality control policies, processes, and procedures, as well as all laboratory regulatory standards. Maintains regulatory standards for quality management (Joint Commission, CAP, OSHA, etc.). Participates in inspections by regulatory agencies as requested.
• Understands and follows appropriate pre-analytical, testing, and post-analytical handling of patient specimens and patient data.
• Performs area-specific patient testing.
• Coordinates simultaneous procedures with complete accuracy.
• Understands and utilizes checks for validity and accuracy of test results and quality control.
• Mentors new staff and students as directed.
• Copes effectively with multiple tasks and varied levels of workload, independently as well as in the team environment.
• Uses strong customer service and teamwork skills to support productive workflow.
• Attends and participates in classes, meetings, committees, and other continuing education and professional development opportunities as appropriate to maintain and enhance job knowledge and skills. Completes at least five contact hours of continuing education per year.
• Understands and utilizes isolation procedures.
• Understands and follows laboratory department dress code.
• Attends laboratory staff meetings regularly.
• Maintains a neat work area and is attentive to waste streams
• The employee may be required to transport and deliver medical specimens, documents, packages and supplies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.