Lab Assistant

Trident Care; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Trident Care in Irvine, CA is seeking a detail-oriented phlebotomy technician to support specimen collection, labeling, and routing to the correct laboratories. The role requires precise handling of requisitions, accurate patient data entry, and adherence to safety protocols.

Responsibilities include ensuring proper specimen collection, applying barcodes, coordinating redraws when necessary, and maintaining compliant documentation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and minimum of 2 months of training in specimen collection.
• Knowledge of specimen collection appropriate to the test ordered.
• Awareness of the factors that influence test results.
• Knowledge of medical (laboratory) terminology helpful

Responsibilities

• Upon specimen arrival, mark the location of testing for each ordered test on the requisition.
• Ensure the correct specimen is collected and tube types submitted are written on the requisition.
• Fill in patient name, date/time of collection, and phlebotomist number on the requisition; apply barcode labels to all specimens.
• Inform facility and complete paperwork for redraws when needed (e.g., mislabeling, missing names).
• Take redraw orders when a specimen is unsuitable for the test required.
• Scan all requisitions into the Filebound system.
• Centrifuge specimens as required to provide adequate serum or plasma for testing.
• Route in-house specimens to correct lab benches and reference lab specimens to TRK Sendout Manifest.
• Prepare reference lab coolers with proper paperwork under Biological Substances – Category B guidelines.
• Notify Dispatch for transfers to airports or couriers to local reference labs.
• Review in-house testing areas to store completed specimens for add-ons or repeats.
• Wear proper PPE at all times to protect against infectious material.

Skills

Specimen collection knowledge

Test result influencing factors

Medical terminology knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Upon specimen arrival, properly marks the location of testing for each ordered test on the accompanying requisition.
• Ensures that the correct specimen is collected for each test ordered, and that the tube types submitted are written in the left margin of the requisition.
• Ensures that the patient’s full name, date/time of collection, and phlebotomist’ number are filled in on the requisition, and that the specimen bar codes (with appropriate letter prefix) are placed on all patient specimens.
• Responsible for informing a facility, and filling out appropriate paperwork, if a redraw is needed due to: PT & PTT that are QNS; missing or incorrectly spelled name on requisition or specimen; mislabeled accession number and/or name; specimen not received
• Taking a redraw order from a CLS if any specimen is unsuitable for the test ordered, due to the integrity, quantity and/or suitability of the specimen for the lab test required.
• Ensures that all patient requisitions are scanned into the Filebound program.
• Properly centrifuges all appropriate specimens for correct times to insure adequate serum or plasma for required testing.
• Routes in-house specimens to correct lab benches for testing.
• Routes reference lab specimens, with a copy of the requisition, to the reference lab desk for inclusion into the TRK Sendout Manifest for the Burbank lab.
• Prepares reference lab coolers correctly, with proper paperwork, and according to federal guidelines for “Biological Substances – Category B.”
• Prepares a copy of the DL requisition for any local reference lab with the DL account number, and tests to be done by this lab clearly marked.
• Whether a cooler is sent to the airport or a courier must be sent to a local reference lab, Dispatch must be notified for the transfer.
• Regularly reviews in-house testing areas for completed specimens so they can electronically store them for any future add-on tests or repeats.
• Proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times to protect the processor from any infectious material.

SKILLS|EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and minimum of 2 months of training in specimen collection if no prior experience noted.
• Proper knowledge of specimen collection appropriate to the test ordered, i.e., requirements for lab test(s)
• Awareness of the factors that influence test results
• Knowledge of medical (laboratory) terminology helpful