Lab Assistant I/II - Per Diem, Evenings

Geisinger; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 30,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Free Care.com membership

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness program

Job summary

Geisinger is seeking Laboratory Assistant I/II personnel to assist with specimen accessioning, preparation, and delivery to testing areas within a clinical laboratory setting. The role involves handling potentially infectious materials, maintaining quality logs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Educational routes include a high school diploma or GED, with higher degrees or MLA certification considered for advancement.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required for Lab Assistant I; higher levels may require associate/bachelor degree or MLA.
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in clinical or related science field may be accepted for advancement (Lab Assistant II).
• ASCP MLA certification is an accepted credential for the role.

Responsibilities

• Assesses, accession, and processes patient specimens for testing.
• Prepares specimens including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling.
• Delivers prepared specimens to the appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Maintains logs, quality control, and disinfection procedures.
• Manages inquiries about specimen collection, transport, and patient results.

Skills

Specimen handling

Laboratory procedures

Regulatory compliance

Multitasking in clinical setting

Education

HS diploma or GED

Bachelor’s/Associate in clinical science

ASCP MLA certification

Tools

LIS software

Job description

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine.

• Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens.
• Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
• Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
• Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling.
• Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Applies laboratory internet programs to store specimens and to locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
• Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
• Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate.
• Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required.
• Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, specimen archives.
• Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems.
• Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, notifies supervisor when inventory is low.

Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Educational and other requirements:

• Laboratory Assistant I - less than 1 year of experience; HS diploma or GED
• Laboratory Assistant II – Minimum 1 year of experience or one of the following will be accepted in lieu of required experience:

1. Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical or related science field

2. Enrollment with a minimum of at least two semesters completed of an associate or bachelor’s degree in clinical or related science field that includes introductory classes in biology or chemistry

3. ASCP Certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

Benefit Highlights:

• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
• Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health