Job Summary:

The Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services performs general laboratory and clerical procedures related to the collecting and accessioning of blood specimens for analysis by technologists.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.Performs venipuncture and micro blood collections from patients, collecting specimens according to the requirements of tests as indicated in requisitions.

2.Processes test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issues new patient identification number where required and identifies duplicate record problems, obtains or clarifies missing or questionable information, corrects errors and omissions in patient demographic data and enters corrections into computer systems.  Enters test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

3.Verifies that specimens meet acceptable identification criteria and verifies specimen type according to established procedures, sorts and assigns laboratory numbers to specimens, in priority according to pre-defined criteria, and applies barcode labels according to established operating procedures.

4.Performs sweat collection.

5.Prepares specimens for testing in accordance with established procedures by performing duties such as preparing smears, staining and coverslipping slides, centrifugation, aliquoting (subsampling), and loading samples onto specimen racks.

6.Receives telephone/fax/over the counter requests for information and answers or directs requests according to established procedures.

7.Prepares, records, and sends specimens and appropriate request forms to outside/referral laboratories and hospitals according to Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and other regulatory requirements.

8.Receives incoming specimens and requisitions and checks for accuracy and completeness of information such as personal health number, name, date of birth and tests required.  Contacts physicians or labs for missing information and makes necessary corrections.  Organizes, stores, and retrieves specimens under appropriate conditions, documents and ships samples to other laboratories and discards samples according to established procedures.

9.Delivers samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory sections.  Sends lab results to wards, clinics and/or physicians according to pre-defined criteria.

10.Responds to requests for test results, faxes same, as required.  Forwards requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.

11.Files and organizes records, such as requisitions, statistical information and work schedules.

12.Identifies and communicates operational issues and computer/equipment related problems to supervisor.

13.Orders and receives supplies.

14.Maintains laboratory equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges autostainers, coverslippers and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning, and temperature recording.  Performs maintenance procedures according to established procedures.  Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.  

15.Maintains daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedure by performing duties such as: preparing fresh disinfectant solutions; wiping bench tops and equipment following established procedures; cleaning centrifuges and testing and maintaining the section safety eyewash and shower according to established weekly and monthly procedures. Performs waste management duties as per standard operating procedures.

16.Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•Completion of Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Laboratory Assistant training program plus one year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills & Abilities

•Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•Ability to deal with others effectively.
•Ability to organize work.
•Ability to operate related equipment.
•Ability to type at 25 wpm.
•Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
•Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.