Laboratory Assistant

Mahaska Health; Oskaloosa (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mahaska Health is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support the laboratory by collecting and processing specimens, and performing specified waived and moderate complexity testing as trained and competent. The role includes varied hours with weekend rotation.

Essential responsibilities include adhering to CLIA, OSHA, TJC, EPA, and FDA regulations; complying with CMS and MHP testing policies; performing specimen processing and reporting to reference labs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Completion of a Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomy, or Medical Laboratory Technician training program preferred.
• One year of experience drawing blood specimens or equivalent education/experience.
• Six months of experience in a medical/clinical lab, rural or small facility preferred.
• Current BLS certification.
• Must complete Mandatory Reporter training by hire date or within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Collect and process specimens for testing.
• Perform waived and moderate complexity tests under supervision.
• Document and report quality control results; take corrective action as needed.
• Perform venipunctures and capillary blood collections with proper patient ID and labeling.
• Maintain equipment and sanitation; assist with patient drawings and result distribution.
• Manage inventory and communicate supply needs; document test results and orders.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Specimen collection

Quality control

Laboratory safety

Education

High School diploma

Clinical Laboratory Assistant training

Job description

At Mahaska Health the primary role of the Laboratory Assistant is to support the laboratory by collecting and processing specimens. The Laboratory Assistant also performs specified waived and moderate complexity testing as trained and successfully demonstrating competency.

Hours: Full-time AND Part-time (Varied + Weekend Rotation)

Essential job responsibilities include but are not limited to,

• Comply with regulations for all accrediting and regulatory bodies such as: Clinical Lab-oratory Improvement Act (CLIA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
• Comply with CMS and MHP regulations and policies for ordering and billing of tests.
• Performs and reports waived complexity testing on blood, urine and feces under supervision and direction of Laboratory Director.
• Understand, perform, analyze, and record quality control tests for each procedure including action taken to correct problems.
• Evaluate results of testing and quality controls.
• Able to recognize deviations from expected results and alerts MLT, MT and/or Laboratory Director to the unexpected deviation.
• Performs initial setup of microbiology specimens onto appropriate culture media.
• Performs processing of specimens received from Mahaska Health providers, clinics and contracted facilities.
• Appropriately processes specimens within acceptable time frames for the test(s).
• Process specimens and reports to and from reference laboratories.
• Send out specimens including, cytology and tissues.
• Perform venipunctures and capillary blood (finger & heel) collections using proper patient identification, correct tubes or collection devices, handling and labeling
• Directs patients in the proper collection technique for non-blood specimens.
• Collect and prepare non-blood specimens for testing.
• Follow procedures and policies for handling infectious, chemical, and electrical hazards, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets.
• Maintain equipment as designated; document sanitation/cleanliness as required.
• Assist other laboratory staff with patient drawings and distributing results.
• Check inventory of supplies, restock and communicate need to reorder.
• Follow policies for documentation of results, phoned/faxed orders and results, maintenance, performance improvement, manual updates, and other as designated by the supervisor/director.

Job Requirements include but are not limited to,

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Completion of a Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomy, or Medical Laboratory Technician training program preferred.
• One (1) years’ experience in drawing blood specimens; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
• Six months of experience in a medical or clinical laboratory setting, ideally in a rural or small‑facility environment.
• Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
• Will be required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at the time of hire or attend within 6 months of the start date.
• Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.