Lab Assistant

TridentCare; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

TridentCare is seeking an entry-level Phlebotomy/Specimen Collection professional to support timely, accurate testing. You will mark test locations, collect correct specimens, and ensure all requisitions include patient details, collection times, and barcodes.

Responsibilities include processing redraws, scanning requisitions, centrifuging specimens, routing to the correct lab benches, and coordinating with reference labs as needed.

Qualifications

• Proficient in specimen collection appropriate to ordered tests.
• Awareness of factors influencing test results.
• Knowledge of medical laboratory terminology is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Mark locations for tests when specimens arrive.
• Ensure correct specimen collected and tube types noted on requisition.
• Fill requisition with patient name, collection date/time, and phlebotomist number; place barcodes on specimens.
• Notify and file paperwork for redraws due to discrepancies.
• Take redraw orders from a CLS for unsuitable specimens.
• Scan patient requisitions into Filebound.
• Centrifuge specimens as required for serum/plasma.
• Route in-house specimens to correct lab benches.
• Send reference lab specimens with requisition to TRK Sendout Manifest for Burbank lab.
• Prepare reference lab coolers with proper paperwork per Biological Substances Category B guidelines.
• Provide local reference lab DL requisitions with account numbers and tests.
• Notify Dispatch for transfers to airport or courier to reference labs.
• Review in-house testing areas for completed specimens for add-on tests.
• Wear proper PPE at all times to protect against infectious material.

Skills

Specimen collection

PPE compliance

Lab terminology

Test requirements awareness

Education

High School Diploma

2 months training in specimen collection

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