Lab Operations Assistant I — Specimens & Prep

Guthrie; City of Cortland (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Guthrie is seeking a Clinical Lab Assistant I in Cortland, NY to support pre-analytical processes and specimen handling. The role involves receiving, processing, identifying, and storing specimens, with the potential to perform phlebotomy as needed.

Responsibilities include operating centrifuges and track systems, ensuring patient identification accuracy, and using laboratory software to manage specimens. Strong customer service and regulatory compliance are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; 1–2 years of college science courses desired.
• Experience in a clinical laboratory is an asset.
• Computer familiarity with keyboards and system navigation is required.
• Medical terminology knowledge is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens and prepares specimens for testing including printing labels, centrifugation, aliquoting, uncapping/capping specimen tubes, and preparing racks.
• Place specimens in centrifuge and on automated track system and promptly delivers specimens to testing areas.
• Troubleshoots missing specimens and utilizes multiple laboratory software programs to store and retrieve specimens.
• Troubleshoots the automation system with the support of technical services.
• Performs daily quality assurance, disinfection, and departmental assigned duties.
• Records temperature, humidity, and other non-testing equipment maintenance.
• Monitors inventory storage environments as required for par levels and storage.
• Answers telephones and communicates with patients, nurses, providers, and health care professionals, providing a high-level customer service.
• May be required to learn and perform phlebotomy or other specimen collection.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

1-2 years college science courses

Tools

Laboratory software systems

Job description

Guthrie is seeking a Clinical Lab Assistant I in Cortland, NY to support pre-analytical processes and specimen handling. The role involves receiving, processing, identifying, and storing specimens, with the potential to perform phlebotomy as needed.

Responsibilities include operating centrifuges and track systems, ensuring patient identification accuracy, and using laboratory software to manage specimens. Strong customer service and regulatory compliance are essential.