Clinical Lab Assistant I-Central Specimen Receiving, Full-time Evening Shift

Northwestern Medicine; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Clinical Lab Assistant to join their team in Chicago. This role is vital for ensuring excellent patient care by collaborating with lab staff and other departments. You will be responsible for managing specimen processing, data entry, and communication of critical results. If you are detail-oriented and have a passion for healthcare, this opportunity allows you to contribute significantly to patient outcomes in a dynamic and supportive environment. Join a team that values integrity, teamwork, and excellence in patient care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; 1 year of lab experience preferred.
• Strong communication and data entry skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with lab staff and providers to ensure excellent patient care.
• Input and retrieve lab results in the laboratory information system.

Skills

Data Entry

Problem Solving

Communication

Phlebotomy

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Epic

Job description

Description

The Clinical Lab Assistant I reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the main lab staff, other ancillary departments, nurses and providers to ensure excellent patient care.
2. Receives specimens into the laboratory information system.
3. Inputs and retrieves lab results in laboratory or hospital computer system.
4. Register specimen dropoffs (e.g. Home health) in LIS assuring accurate data entry.
5. Distributes specimens to the appropriate testing area.
6. Identifies and solves problems utilizing appropriate resources with the assistance of a supervisor, manager, pathologist and/or coworkers when appropriate.
7. Accurately performs waived testing under the direction of CLS as applicable.
8. Ensures appropriate sample type received for testing ordered, including appropriate container, volume.
9. Communicates specimen rejections, critical/notifiable results to appropriate clinical personnel and completes required documentation.
10. May review/record refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair.
11. Adheres to lab procedures with following up on outstanding orders including time-sensitive draws/charges.
12. Pull AP slides for second opinion requests and log material back into Epic when material is returned.
13. Answers phone calls to the laboratory and triages appropriately.
14. Coordinates courier pickups as needed.

Department Specific:

1. May perform phlebotomy and other lab specimen collections per age related standards as required.

Qualifications

Required:

1. High School Diploma.

Preferred:

1. 1 year of experience in a general lab, specimen processing or phlebotomy department.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.