Lab Assistant: Specimen Processing

Advocate Health; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking an entry-level Laboratory Assistant to support specimen labeling, handling, and data entry. The role involves verifying test requests in the lab system, assisting with billing information, and answering calls.

No experience is required, and candidates should have excellent communication and customer service skills, plus basic computer and typing abilities to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• No prior experience necessary.
• Strong communication and customer service skills are essential.
• Proficient with computers and typing; ability to learn lab software.

Responsibilities

• Label and verify specimens and resolve identification issues.
• Enter and verify test requests in the lab system.
• Obtain billing/insurance information and verify diagnosis codes.
• Answer and screen telephone calls; assist with specimen handling.
• Package, track, and store specimens; assist transport and storage.

Skills

Excellent communication

Computer skills

Typing skills

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

High School Graduate

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Ensures that specimens are properly labeled and suitable for testing. Resolves specimen identification and/or requisition problems and clarifies requests.
• Obtains billing/insurance information and/or verifies diagnosis code information.
• Enters and verifies test requests into the laboratories' computer system.
• Answers and screens telephone calls.
• Receives and sorts specimens and assists with detailed specimen handling; packages and tracks specimens for transport and performs specimen storage and retrieval.
• Processes specimens for testing, including aliquoting, while maintaining proper specimen identification.
• Reviews various pending and management reports. Generates and distributes reports.
• Assists with inventory and ordering of supplies.
• Maintains and files copies of orders, reports and/or correspondence.
• Acts as a resource and trains new employees.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• None Required.

Education Required:

• High School Graduate.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Basic computer skills including experience using computer software applications.
• Keyboarding and typing skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously under general supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service skills to interface effectively with physicians, patients, visitors, and other healthcare employees.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Occasionally lifts up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and bend the majority of the workday.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and/or infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood and body fluids.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.