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Medlabs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medlabs information

What is a medlab?

Medlabs, short for medical laboratories, are specialized facilities where medical tests are performed on clinical specimens such as blood, urine, and tissues. These labs play a crucial role in diagnosing, monitoring, and preventing diseases by providing accurate and timely test results to healthcare providers. Medlabs are staffed by trained professionals known as medical laboratory technicians or technologists, who use advanced equipment and standardized procedures to ensure reliable results. The data produced by medlabs help doctors make informed decisions about patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical laboratory scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and professional certification (such as ASCP). Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control protocols is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you ensure accurate test results and collaborate with healthcare teams. These competencies are crucial for maintaining high standards of patient care and supporting timely, reliable diagnoses.

What are some common challenges faced by medlabs professionals when handling high sample volumes, and how can they effectively manage workload during peak periods?

Medlabs professionals often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, high sample volumes, and the need for strict adherence to quality standards, especially during peak periods like disease outbreaks or seasonal testing surges. Effective workload management involves prioritizing tasks, utilizing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to track samples, and collaborating closely with team members to ensure timely processing. Establishing clear communication channels and following standardized protocols also help maintain accuracy and efficiency under pressure. Regular training and cross-training team members can further enhance adaptability during busy times.

What is the difference between Medlabs vs Medical Laboratory Technicians?

AspectMedlabsMedical Laboratory Technicians
CertificationsTypically require a degree in medical laboratory science and certificationRequire an associate degree and certification in medical laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesPerforming complex tests, analyzing results, maintaining equipmentCollecting samples, preparing specimens, conducting routine tests
Industry UsageUsed broadly in healthcare and diagnostic settingsCommonly employed in clinical laboratories and hospitals

Medlabs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in diagnostic labs and healthcare settings, but Medlabs often refers to a broader role involving advanced testing and analysis, while Medical Laboratory Technicians focus on routine testing and sample preparation. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Medlabs jobs

What states have the most Medlabs jobs?

States with the most job openings for Medlabs jobs include:

Infographic showing various Medlabs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Laboratory Assistant - MedLabs (Full Time)

UnityPoint Health

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Laboratory Assistant I plays an important role in the lab. The LA I is the face of the lab interacting with patient and healthcare personnel. Primary responsibilities include processing laboratory specimens for testing, evaluates specimen acceptability, registration, and responding to requests for information from customers. Responsibilities may also include waived testing and phlebotomy.


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


Pre-Analytic workflows

  • Greets everyone with a pleasant and professional manner, using patient experience best practice guidelines (AIDET, 5/10 Rule and No-Point, etc.)
  • Identifies patients and samples using two patient identifiers, always labeling samples in the presence of the patient.
  • Performs medical venous and capillary blood collections independently for patients of all ages within specified safety parameters, timelines and pace.
  • Performs sample receiving, accessioning, processing, aliquoting, preparation for transport and/or delivery to testing areas.
  • Utilizes supply items in a cost-effective manner, recognizing when to reorder and assisting with unpacking and/or restocking items.
  • Achieves basic understanding of lab tests to answer patient questions in an easy to understand way.

Analytic workflows

  • Performs CLIA waived testing on medical samples in accordance with manufacturer specifications using good laboratory practice.
  • Works efficiently with the workflow and workload.
  • Documents routine instrument maintenance; elevates non-routine issues to management.

Post-Analytic workflows

  • Follows appropriate reporting protocols including critical value reporting.
  • Monitors pending logs and work queues and resolves pending tests and registration errors.
  • Prepares and logs samples for proper storage and retention.

Committed Team

  • Prioritizes work in the best interest of the patient, sharing the work with team members.
  • Assists with training new employees and students, being helpful and supportive in their teaching.
  • Attends department huddles, staff meetings and other required training.
  • Checks emails regularly for huddle minutes and important communications relevant to assignment.

  • High School graduate or equivalent.
  • Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
  • Multicultural sensitivity.
  • Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.
  • Customer/patient focused.
  • Basic knowledge of computer systems used on analyzers, Sunquest and EPIC.
  • Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of computer programs for patient identification, registration, order, and sample tracking.
  • Demonstrates basic knowledge of computer programs for reporting test results.
  • Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995