Clinical Laboratory Assistant II, Core Lab Days

University of Maryland Medical System; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Assistant I to support medical laboratory scientists by performing routine duties in various labs, following CLIA regulations. Under supervision, you will accession patient samples, process specimens, ensure proper labeling, and handle test preparation.

This role emphasizes accuracy, communication with internal and external customers, and quality assurance.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Two years of CLAI or equivalent experience in a clinical or hospital setting required.
• Preference for additional biology/chemistry coursework when possible.

Responsibilities

• Accession patient samples into the Laboratory Information System and ensure accurate data entry.
• Process and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratories and store as required.
• Identify and resolve specimen labeling or QA issues and document findings.
• Perform add-on testing according to procedures and assist with waived to moderate complexity testing.
• Answer phones, respond to inquiries, and communicate test results professionally.
• Review test pending lists and ensure timely processing and reporting.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Biology/chemistry coursework preferred

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Job Requirements

Under direct supervision, assists medical laboratory scientists by performing routine laboratory support duties and approved testing in any one of various specialized laboratories throughout UMMS, following departmental procedures and regulations stipulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Key Responsibilities

• Receives and accessions patient samples into the Laboratory Information System. Ensures that all codes and information are entered accurately and timely. Maintains accurate patient identification and information for billing purposes following departmental procedures.
• Processes (centrifuges, aliquots, and performs other special handling procedures for specimens) and delivers specimens to specific laboratories as required. Saves or preserves specimens as needed in refrigerator, freezer, incubator, dry ice, or other storage as appropriate.
• Identifies and resolves specimen integrity issues such as mislabeled specimens, quantity not sufficient (QNS), specimen integrity, incorrect container type, incorrect/incomplete requisitions, etc., and documents all information for quality assurance purposes.
• Processes add-on testing according to departmental procedures.
• May perform waived to moderate complexity testing.
• Answers telephones and responds to customer inquiries and requests.
• May perform waived to moderate complexity as approved by the supervisor in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Resolves customer complaints/issues and follows through with appropriate documentation.
• Communicates test results, test descriptions, etc. Assures a high level of customer satisfaction by communicating and responding to a variety of internal and external customers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Reviews and acts on test pending list.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. Additional credit hours in biology and/or chemistry at an accredited institution are preferred.

Experience: Minimum of two year’s work experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant I (CLAI) or equivalent experience in a clinical or hospital setting required.