Lab Assistant

CommonSpirit Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy General Hospital is seeking a Lab Assistant to support diagnostic processes by collecting, preparing, and processing tissue, blood, urine, and other specimens for a range of tests. The role emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, ongoing learning, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

The position involves handling specimens in a fast-paced environment, coordinating with pathologists, and ensuring accurate documentation and timely processing to support patient care.

Qualifications

• High School GED General Studies is required.
• One year of experience as a Laboratory/Pathology Assistant is required.
• Ability to handle specimens with care and adhere to safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Picks up and transports tissue and cytology specimens from operating rooms and nursing units.
• Logs receipt of all tissue and cytology specimens with accurate labeling and requisitions.
• Prepares tissue specimens for examination by numbering, weighing, wrapping and filing.
• Disposes of old tissue specimens according to schedule and safety regulations.
• Prepares fluids and other specimens for outside testing and ensures complete clinical data.
• Starts decalcification and fixes specimens, following safety procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

GED General Studies

Job description

*Job Summary and Responsibilities*

As a Lab Assistant, you will play a crucial role in solving diagnostic mysteries, bringing us one step closer to effectively treating patient illnesses and injuries.

Every day you will utilize your expertise and our advanced technology to precisely collect, prepare, and process a diverse range of patient specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) for various diagnostic tests.

To be successful in this role, you will possess a foundational understanding of laboratory procedures, demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and maintain an eager commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

• Picks up and transports tissue and cytology specimens from the operating rooms and nursing units, ensuring that the requisition slip matches the label.
• Logs the receipt of all tissue and cytology specimens indicating all consultations, frozens, grosses, cytologies, and sendouts on the log 94-97% of the time.
• Prepares tissue specimens for examination by Pathologist or P.A. by 1000, 1400, and 1630 90-95% of the time, assisting by numbering, weighing, wrapping and filing specimens, with no more than 3-5 cases misaccessioned per year.
• Disposes of old tissue specimens according to established schedule and following all safety regulations, with no more than one safety violation per year.
• Prepares fluids and other specimens as needed for outside testing, following up with uncompleted clinical data to ensure that the Pathology report has complete information 94-97% of the time.
• Starts decalcification process and fixes specimens as needed, neutralizing used decal solutions in the fume hood using proper safety techniques, with no more than one safety violation per year.

Job Requirements

Required

• High School GED General Studies.
• One (1) year experience as a Laboratory/Pathology Assistant.

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1925, Dignity Health - Mercy General Hospital is a 310-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Sacramento, California. Serving over 100,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, cancer care, women's health, and neurology. Additionally, Mercy General Hospital has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.

Pay Range

$33.40 - $37.69 /hour