Summary: Clinical Lab Assistant I perform pre-analytical specimen receipt, processing, identification verification and specimen storage. The Clinical Lab Assistant I operates centrifuge and pneumatic tube systems, office equipment, enters information and test orders into the laboratory computer system. The Clinical Lab Assistant I is responsible for ensuring correct patient identification on specimens and documentation and resolutions of pre-analytical specimen related issues. Assistants may be required to perform phlebotomy or other specimen collection. 

Education, License & Certification: High school diploma is required. One to two years of college science courses is desired, and/or extensive experience in a clinical laboratory. Computer familiarity with keyboards and system navigation is required. Medical terminology and/or knowledge of basic anatomy is preferred. Education: HSG High School Grad or Equivalent 

Essential Functions: 1. Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards. 2. Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens and prepares specimens for testing including printing labels, centrifugation, aliquoting, uncapping/capping specimen tubes, and preparing racks. 3. Place specimens in centrifuge and on automated track system (in applicable laboratories) and promptly delivers specimens to testing areas. 4. Troubleshoots missing specimens and utilizes multiple laboratory software programs to store and retrieve specimens. 5. Troubleshoots the automation system with the support of technical services. 6. Performs daily quality assurance, disinfection, and departmental assigned duties. 7. Records temperature, humidity, and other non-testing equipment maintenance (centrifuges, water bath, etc.) 8. Monitors inventory storage environments as required for par levels and storage. 9. Answers telephones and communicates with patients, nurses, providers, and health care professionals, providing a high-level customer service. 

Other Duties: 1. May be required to learn and perform phlebotomy or other specimen collection. 2. Other duties as assigned. Patient Contact: Education, License & Certification: Working Conditions: Frequently exposed to disagreeable sights, sounds, odors, body waste, etc. Tight work area. Limited space in some areas. Mental Demands: Critical thinking skills and an ability to assess, evaluate and/or teach are required. Occasional stress due to departmental pressure. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and be self-directed to a large degree. Non-routine duties requiring independent judgement. Adaptable to stressful, ever-changing situations. Attention to detail over an extended period of time is required. Routine duties requiring judgement in priorities and decisions with defined problems. Must be able to make decisions based on established policies, procedures or guidelines. 

Quality Statement: Caregivers must be active participants in quality improvement processes: 1. Identifying areas where quality improvement processes can be applied. 2. Collecting & organizing quality measurement data. 3. Participating on Quality Teams Job Hazards: Works with heavy pieces of equipment and sources of potential infection. Some exposure to hazards that might cause serious injury (involving recoup time). Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances. Handling of contaminated needles and the potential for self-puncture with same. Potential for exposure to infectious patients or materials. Exposure to noise, steam, toxic fumes, hot equip and water, chemicals and electric equip. Potential for musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting and carrying is not applied. Potential eye and/or back strain. Degrees: Internal Contacts: Daily contact with clients at all levels, including managers and employees. Licenses and Certifications: Physical Demands: Hand dexterity required. Periodically required to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds. Concentration, writing legibly, prolonged sitting, walking, bending, and using the phone. Must be able to attend meetings throughout the system and/or periodically travel. Considerable walking, standing, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and sitting. 

Other Duties: Exposure Category: Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or other tissues, and communicable diseases. Equipment Used: External Contacts: Frequent contact with visitors, community agency reps and other healthcare related orgs.