Lab Assistant

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Barrie; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Ontario is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pre-analytic to support pre-analytic testing workflows, specimen handling, and quality control under supervision of the Medical Laboratory Technologist.

The role focuses on preparing specimens, managing reagents, assisting with accreditation standards, and collaborating with staff to ensure timely, accurate results while maintaining patient confidentiality and safety.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.
• MLPAO MLA/Technician Certification required.
• Minimum one year pre-analytic lab experience preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential.
• Phlebotomy collection experience essential.
• Meditech LIS knowledge and data entry experience an asset.
• ACCREDITATION CANADA - DIAGNOSTICS knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists the MLA in setting up testing tasks in assigned areas with safety procedures.
• Receives, sorts, and processes specimens per established guidelines.
• Prepares specimens referred out to other sites and handles reports.
• Maintains inventory and assists with pipette calibration.
• Organizes workload to ensure efficient lab operation and resource use.
• Performs procedures as outlined in manuals for discipline-specific tasks.
• Maintains quality assurance and equipment in the assigned area.
• Keeps an inventory management system for lab equipment and supplies.
• Documents discrepancies/errors and takes corrective action as required.
• Reads and signs off on new/revised procedures with leadership collaboration.
• Provides feedback to leadership for policy or procedure improvements.
• Liaises with RVH staff, external labs, hospitals, and physicians.
• Maintains Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics compliance.
• Participates in training, professional development, and quality initiatives.

Job description

Job Summary & Requirements

Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pre-analytic

By providing exceptional service, the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) supports the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) strategic plan and MY CARE philosophy which includes the:

Vision – Making Each Life Better. Together.

Mission – Exceptional Care is Our Passion. Safety is Our Promise

Values – Team Up. Be Kind. Do Great Things. Inspire Trust. Be Bold.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• assisting the Medical Laboratory Technologist in setting up testing/tasks in assigned area using accepted safety procedures, e.g., urine analyzer maintenance and quality controls, urinalysis, rapid testing set-up, and Group A Strep antigen, and planting positive blood cultures.
• receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines; preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, media and solutions, as required.
• preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites, performing report handling and other associated clerical duties.
• assisting in inventory and supply control.
• assisting with pipette calibration.
• organizing workload among technical team to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory demonstrating financial accountability for time, resources and supplies
• performing laboratory procedures as outlined in the procedure manuals for discipline - specific functions.
• ensuring the maintenance of quality assurance and equipment within assigned area of the laboratory.
• maintaining an inventory management system for the efficient utilization and distribution of laboratory equipment and supplies.
• maintaining a system for detecting, documenting and reporting discrepancies/errors and taking appropriate action(s) as required.
• reading and signing off on new and/or revised procedures, protocols and performance standards in collaboration.
• providing feedback to the appropriate leadership for improvements or corrections for policies and procedures
• liaising with other Laboratory and RVH staff, external laboratories, hospitals and physicians’ offices
• maintaining Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics compliance
• participating in initial and refresher training for new and current staff
• participating in staff and patient experience and feedback initiatives, professional development, teaching/ educational activities, safety and quality improvement programs to ensure excellence in the provision of services.
• observing and understanding RVH and departmental policies and procedures, adhering to RVH and departmental mission and vision statements while maintaining patient confidentiality; performing other related duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned, requested, or required.

The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive; may be assigned other related duties in the interest of efficient operations of RVH or effective patient care.

SKILLS/ABILITES

• Demonstrated knowledge of Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics program preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies within the field.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at a time in a cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
• Demonstrated excellent conflict resolution and change management skills.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification from Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) required.

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year recent (within 3 years) laboratory experience in a pre-analytic role preferred
• Knowledge of medical terminology essential
• General knowledge of all areas of the laboratory preferred
• Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices of laboratories procedures, automated instruments/equipment and special techniques preferred
• Working knowledge of ACCREDITATION CANADA - DIAGNOSTICS requirements
• Previous data entry/computer experience essential
• Meditech and LIS knowledge and experience an asset
• Phlebotomy collection experience with patients in a variety of health care conditions essential

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION

Membership and participation in other relevant professional organizations an asset.