Job Summary:

The Laboratory Assistant performs specimen collection, preparation and testing and performs related clerical functions.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Collects blood and other specimens and labels with relevant information according to Fraser Health policies. This includes sweat collections, breath collections, capillary gases, venous and capillary blood
samples, and other specimens as required. Assists in the collections of fine needle aspirations by providing clerical support.

2. Prepares specimens for analysis by centrifuging, aliquoting, and distributing specimens by priority including Microbiology, Pathology and Cytology specimens and assisting with gross exams. Stains, mounts, and labels slides.

3. Performs clerical duties as required including computer data entry for patient information and tests. Communicates test results to designated parties and handles inquiries from other health team members.

4. Cleans, operates and maintains equipment such as temperature checks on fridges, incubators, autoclaves and water bath. Informs appropriate staff of problems with equipment as per established
procedure.

5. Prepares reagents, media, and specimen collection material and distributes as required. Receives, stores and ships specimens and other materials. Prepares, handles, and transports specimens for preanalytical
and post-analytical storage, including discarding specimens as per accepted protocols.

6. Loads specimens for analysis on barcode enhanced automated and semi-automated equipment only.

7. Performs laboratory tests such as urine dipsticks and glucose tests using urinalysis machines and glucose meters. Performs simple tests such as occult blood and pregnancy tests. Plates microbiology
specimens.

8. Maintains a clean and safe work area according to established policies and procedures including stocking adequate levels of supplies at workstations.

9. Assists with clerical functions such as counting inventory and notifying appropriate staff of inventory levels as per procedure.

10. Schedules and books appointments and enters and verifies patient registration information as required.

11. Provides assistance as required by performing ECG testing by attaching electrodes to patients and operating equipment according to standard procedures.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training & Experience
Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Lab 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.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the positions.
Ability to organize work.
Ability to operate related equipment.
Ability to keyboard at 25 w.p.m.