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Medical Lab Assistant

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Fort Sanders Regional Overview:

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise with advanced medical technology to deliver exceptional care. As a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, we provide leading-edge treatment for stroke recovery. Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive spine procedures, and advanced orthopedic care.

Fort Sanders Regional is part of Covenant Health, East Tennessee’s largest nonprofit health system and a Becker’s “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” Covenant Health includes nine hospitals and nearly 150 service locations, offering employees a comprehensive benefits package with tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, certification bonuses, and leadership development programs.

Position Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Assistant performs the pre-analytical and preparatory portion of the testing process for routine and specialized clinical Lab tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by physicians.  The individual will perform only those processes that s/he has been trained and found competent in performing.  Must also be able to perform the duties of a Sr. Laboratory Assistant.

• Performs preparatory functions necessary to complete routine and high complexity tests that the individual has been trained in. Functions include:
  • Centrifuging; pouring off blood, body fluid, and urine specimens; preparing specimens for testing; and archiving specimens
  • Checking applicable specimens for clots if needed prior to proceeding for testing
  • Performing pipetting techniques for appropriate specimen preparations
  • Preparing peripheral blood smears for staining for microscopic examination
  • Staining peripheral blood smears by automated method
  • Loading primary bar-coded clinical specimens on any trained analyzer
  • Preparing microbiology specimens for cultures and gram stains, including inoculation of microbiology culture plates from primary clinical specimens, slide preparation and staining by automated method
  • Preparing specimens for KOH examinations
  • Preparing specimens for GMS stains for pathology and track according to protocol
  • Preparing and loading blood culture specimens into appropriate incubators
  • Preparing specimens for PCR testing
  • Preparing viral culture specimens for testing by appropriate reference laboratory, and completing required regulatory documentation
  • Preparing 24-hour urine containers with preservatives
  • Receiving and tagging new reagent inventory, and sorting by lot number to separate current versus new reagent lot numbers
  • Performing required quality checks of eye wash and emergency shower stations
• Follows the Laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, and preparatory steps.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when the test process deviates from the Laboratory’s established performance specifications. Does not submit patient specimens for testing until all corrective action has been taken.
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect a test result and either corrects or notifies a licensed Laboratory employee to assist.
• Utilizes the LIS in patient accessioning, and monitors incomplete and collection lists. Follows up by locating specimens and taking appropriate next steps, including loading specimens, aliquoting, or notifying a MLT/MT of issues.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots applicable Laboratory equipment, e.g. centrifuges, stainers, etc, as trained to use.
• Checks communication boards at least weekly.
• Plans work to insure maximum productivity with minimum amount of ‘carry over’ work, while keeping overtime to a minimum. Responsible for communicating to the next shift and other appropriate staff needed information about patient samples or equipment performance.
• Acts as resource person for phlebotomy if trained appropriately, including outpatients.
• Maintains and disinfects work area.
• Assists with coverage of the pneumatic tube system, processing and distributing specimens.
• Handles biohazard wastes according to policy.
• Performs any job-related duties assigned by competent authority. Helps other departments as qualifications and needs permit.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new and existing employees.
• Responsible for care, maintenance, trouble-shooting and notification of Manager when equipment is in need of repair or replacement (i.e. stainers, centrifuges, printers, fax/copy machines, etc.).
• Performs pipette and glassware cleanings, timer verifications, centrifuge rpms, and thermometer verifications, and pipette verifications.
• Responsible for checking and follow-up of incomplete reference Lab reports.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Local travel may be required.

Minimum Education:           

None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.  Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience:         

Basic computer skills, medical terminology, registration and phlebotomy skills or equivalent combination of clinical/clerical skills. Upon hire, must successfully complete a Covenant Health Training Program specific for the Medical Lab Assistant position within 6 months.

Licensure Requirement:      

Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D and state mandated minimum insurance coverage. Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.