Specimen Accessioner

Simple Laboratories; Harwood Heights (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Simple Laboratories is seeking a Full-time Accessioner/Lab Assistant I in Harwood Heights, Illinois, responsible for processing biological specimens for testing. The role involves accurate data entry, labeling specimens, and performing inventory management.

Qualifications include a high school diploma, data entry skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This full-time position features overnight shifts from Tuesday to Saturday, ensuring efficient operations within the laboratory.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to learn job duties and understand laboratory functions.
• Strong data entry and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff and clients.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to problem-solve as needed.
• Comfortable handling potentially infectious specimens.

Responsibilities

• Train Lab Associate 1 staff on job functions.
• Resolve questions from other employees.
• Monitor TAT and assign staff as needed.
• Process specimens accurately and timely.
• Data entry into the Laboratory Information System.
• Maintain records of problems and resolutions.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Skills

Strong data entry skills

Organizational skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to multitask

Problem-solving skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Simple Laboratories is looking for a Full-time Accessioner/Lab Assistant I responsible for receiving and processing biological specimens such as blood, urine, etc. that are submitted for laboratory testing. Functions performed typically include data entry of lab requests, labeling patient specimens, and other pre-analytic tasks in preparation for laboratory testing, according to standard operating procedures. Additional support tasks such as inventory management may be assigned.

Work Shift

Overnight | Tuesday to Saturday 8:00 PM - 6:30 AM

Essential Job Functions

• Provide training, support, and guidance to Lab Associate 1 staff on essential job functions.
• Serve as primary point of contact for resolution of questions or concerns from other employees, particularly those outside the Laboratory.
• Monitors TAT and assigns LA I staff as needed to meet expectations.
• Provide feedback to Laboratory management regarding potential/ongoing process or employee issues within Specimen Processing
• Process clinical laboratory specimens with an emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and compliance.
• Confirm client, patient, and specimen details to ascertain adequacy and appropriateness of specimens.
• Data enter test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and apply appropriate barcoded labels to patient specimens or scan pre-existing barcodes.
• Ensure that specimens are labeled appropriately; elevate discrepancies for resolution as needed.
• Centrifuge and/or aliquot specimens as required.
• Pre-sort specimens for delivery to technical departments.
• Retrieve specimens from storage as necessary for add-on testing.
• Handle and dispose of all specimens following biohazardous waste precautions and applicable safety policies.
• Ensure clean, decontaminated workspaces per Safety protocols.
• Investigate and resolve specimen issues or test issues to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results.
• Consult with technical departments regarding acceptability of patient specimens as needed; coordinate with Problem Resolution team for recollection as needed.
• Perform required maintenance on Specimen Processing equipment such as centrifuges, printers, incubators, freezers, and refrigerators, document appropriately.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of problems and resolutions related to specimen processing, inventory, and equipment.
• Meet or exceed all performance expectations to include attendance and adherence to work schedule.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Ability to learn the job duties assigned to the Laboratory Assistant II and develop an understanding of the overall functions within the Laboratory
• Strong data entry and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact with peers professionally and positively, clients, and other staff.
• Ability to multitask and maintain focus within a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to problem-solve as needed.
• Ability to learn policies and procedures and apply them in the workplace.
• Comfortable handling potentially infectious biological specimens; adherence to all applicable PPE and other Laboratory Safety policies

Work Specifications and Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Continuous sitting, standing, and walking in the performance of job duties
• Laboratory equipment such as incubators, refrigerators, freezers, liquid handlers, and extraction instruments
• Desktop computer and associated peripherals
• Regular exposure to potentially infectious biological specimens