Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Site Supervisor, Team Lead and/or designate, the Assistant/Clerk, Laboratory Services performs general laboratory and clerical procedures related to data entry, and the receipt, handling, accessioning, preparation and distribution of laboratory specimens.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Prepares specimens for testing in accordance with established procedures by performing duties such as centrifugation, aliquoting and loading samples.
2.    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.
3.    Receives incoming specimens, requisitions, and checks for accuracy and completeness of information such as personal health number, name, date of birth and related test(s) required.  Contacts physicians or labs for missing information and makes necessary corrections.
4.    Processes test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issues new patient identification number where required, obtains or clarifies missing information, corrects errors in patient demographic data and enters corrections into computer systems.  Enters test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
5.    Responds to requests for test results, faxes same, as required.  
6.    Receives telephone/fax requests for information and directs requests according to established procedures.
7.    Files and organizes records, such as requisitions, statistical information
8.    Identifies and communicates operational issues and computer/equipment-related problems to supervisor.
9.    Stores and retrieves specimens under appropriate conditions, documents and ships samples to other laboratories and discards samples according to established procedures.
10.    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.
11.    Prepares test runs by pulling specimens for worksheet, matching specimens and requisitions and retrieving frozen samples for testing.  
12.    Orders and receives supplies.
13.    Delivers samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory sections.
14.    Washes and sterilizes laboratory glassware and equipment. Performs daily temperature checks for various equipment and raises any equipment concerns/alarms to the Site Supervisor and or designate according to established procedures.  
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; according to established weekly and monthly procedures. Performs waste management duties as per standard operating procedures.
16.    Keeps workstations well stocked with supplies.  Monitors supplies and advises lead hand or designate when supplies need replenishing and performs related duties such as receiving, recording and storing new shipments of supplies.
17.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Grade 12, medical terminology and two years' recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

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