Lab Assistant -- Lab Anatomical Pathology -- Memorial Hospital

Charleston Area Medical Center; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston Area Medical Center is seeking an entry-level Laboratory Assistant to retrieve and process specimens, prepare media and reagents, and operate hospital information systems. You will perform basic lab tasks, support quality control, and assist with patient data and billing within a dynamic hospital lab setting.

The role emphasizes adherence to protocols, proper specimen handling, and collaboration with clinical staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• No prior experience required; on-the-job training provided.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve specimens and deliver to the lab.
• Process specimens per section protocol and procedures.
• Prepare media for microbiological procedures and reagents.
• Use HIS/LIS/Co-Path/Henacare systems for logs, orders and patient reporting.
• Register patients in HIS and ensure correct billing information.
• Perform basic lab procedures including urine analysis and pH determinations.
• Admit patients to LIS/HIS and track specimens.

Skills

Microbiology

Lab procedures

Quality control

Equipment handling

HIPAA compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

HIS/LIS systems

Pneumatic tube system

Job description

Responsibilities

• Retrieve specimens and deliver to the lab.
• Process specimens according to specific section protocol and procedures.
• Prepare various media for microbiological procedures.
• Prepare reagents such as formalin, alcohol, and stains according to protocol.
• Utilize computer programs [HIS, LIS, Co-Path, Henacare, BACT/ALERT, Microscan DMS for department, etc.] to generate logs and patient reports, order tests, generate labels, perform result entry functions, miscellaneous charge function, verify and correct patient demographics, track blood products, enter product availability notification and billing information.
• Registers patients in HIS using both CAMC and SHS regions ensuring that the correct information in entered into client bills, commercial bills, and Medicare billing. Takes appropriate action when no ABN is received or when no diagnosis code is given.
• Retrieve and file slides as directed.
• Clean and decontaminate equipment and work areas according to established protocols.
• Inventory supplies, making lists of items to be ordered by appropriate personnel.
• Receive and act upon written and verbal instructions and requests from authorized personnel.
• Answer the telephone promptly, with appropriate greeting and identification.
• Determine nature of caller's request and route accordingly.
• Performs, prepares and monitors quality control procedures appropriate for department.
• Exercise appropriate judgment skills and sound clinical knowledge when dealing with physicians, patients, visitors and other hospital department personnel. Interprets and translates physicians orders into test order codes with follow-up of unclear orders.
• Operates pneumatic tube system correctly.
• Documents customer, visitor, and patient concerns appropriately.
• Participates in quality assurance studies and departmental quality assurance meetings.
• Participates in retaining and obtaining knowledge and skills by acquiring five (5) continuing education contact hours annually.
• Obtains 24 hour urine containers for outpatients and instructs patient on proper collection procedure.
• Handles and prepares specimens for analysis by centrifugation and aliquotting.
• Delivers specimens to appropriate departments and workstations.
• Performs basic lab procedures including but not limited to determining urine volumes, simple reagent prep, and pH determinations.
• Admit patients to LIS/HIS and use LIS programs correctly for specimen tracking, chart directionals and inquiries.
• Potentially collects throat swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs for culture as indicated as appropriate per department

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Patient Group Knowledge (Only applies to positions with direct patient contact)

The employee must possess/obtain (by the end of the orientation period) and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide developmentally appropriate assessment, treatment or care as defined by the department’s identified patient ages. Specifically the employee must be able to demonstrate competency in: 1) ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of patient needs; 2) knowledge of growth and development; and 3) understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients.

Competency Statement

Must demonstrate competency through an initial orientation and ongoing competency validation to independently perform tasks and additional duties as specified in the job description and the unit/department specific competency checklist.

Common Duties and Responsibilities

(Essential duties common to all positions)

1. Maintain and document all applicable required education.
2. Demonstrate positive customer service and co-worker relations.
3. Comply with the company's attendance policy.
4. Participate in the continuous, quality improvement activities of the department and institution.
5. Perform work in a cost effective manner.
6. Perform work in accordance with all departmental pay practices and scheduling policies, including but not limited to, overtime, various shift work, and on-call situations.
7. Perform work in alignment with the overall mission and strategic plan of the organization.
8. Follow organizational and departmental policies and procedures, as applicable.
9. Perform related duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or GED (Required) Experience: None

Credentials

Work Schedule

Days

Status

Full Time Regular 1.0

Location

Memorial Hospital

Location of Job

US:WV:Charleston