Laboratory Assistant I

Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine, a leading academic medical center affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to process clinical specimens for diagnostic testing. The role involves following SOPs, handling specimens via the pneumatic tube system, and ensuring specimens are dispatched accurately to the proper laboratory sections.

The position emphasizes safety, HIPAA compliance, and accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• Education Specialization: Equivalent Experience
• Prior experience in hospital laboratory receiving area
• Prior experience with the Laboratory Information System

Responsibilities

• Processes patient samples for diagnostic laboratory testing following SOPs.
• Operates the pneumatic tube system and adheres to Infection Control policies.
• Distributes specimens to appropriate laboratory sections in a timely manner.
• Maintains accurate logs/worksheets and a clean, safe work area.
• Answers phones professionally and assists callers or directs them to the appropriate source.

Education

H.S. Diploma/GED

Job description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Summary

A Laboratory Assistant is an individual trained on-the-job to process a variety of clinical specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing and access associated records.

Responsibilities

• Performs assigned patient-sample processing activities Follows established SOPs for the ordering and processing of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process.
• Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimens
• Provides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sections
• Maintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets where required according to SOP’s.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area
• Demonstrates safe work practices
• Keeps work area free from personal documents & items.
• Answers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner speaking to caller in a caring manner
• Answers questions or refers callers to the appropriate source
• Avoids putting caller on hold or transferring call unnecessarily
• Researches phone inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results by referencing available manuals and records, and calls caller back promptly.
• Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing, prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of sample, and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens as needed
• Keeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changes
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies, and appropriately communicates the need to re-order before supplies run out.
• Assist with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employees
• Performs daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed.
• Complies with Hospital, Laboratory, Safety and HIPAA regulations
• Notifies Supervisor or Safety Officer of hazards when found
• Completes annual mandatories on or before the due date
• Responsible for maintaining adequate staffing on all three shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Credentials

• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Certification as a PBT or MLA by a minimum knowledge-based exam such as a the Board of Certification PBT (ASCP) or MLA (ASCP) preferred

Education or Equivalent Experience

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• Education Specialization: Equivalent Experience:
• And Prior experience in hospital laboratory receiving area
• And Prior experience with the Laboratory Information System

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.