Lab Technical Assistant

Department Overview

This position provides technical assistance for Clinical and Anatomic Laboratorians to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and CHH2 clinics. The person in this position is authorized to assist moderately complex testing in the following areas: chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, assisting in bone marrow collection and slide staining. The person provides support such as specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisory review of results is required in the case of unusual/complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure.

 

The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which will best serve the clients of the department. These clients will be and external to Clinical Pathology (CP) and Anatomical Pathology (AP).

Function/Duties of Position

Performs data entry and sample processing of samples received for testing (CP & AP)

• Check accuracy of specimens, labels, and testing requirements.
• Perform computer entry in LIS and EMR for CP and AP samples.
• Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers
• Ensures that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner
• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers
• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas or stores samples for future testing.
• Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work is available

Bone marrow bench duties

• Manages schedules appointments for bone marrow assists.
• Performs bone marrow assistance at the bedside for physicians performing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, according to written procedures.
• Observes the aspiration, determines if the specimen is adequate, prepares slides, prepares, or preserves specimens for additional testing as needed.
• Prepares and ensures all “Kit Tests” and processed and sent out to performing Labs.

Laboratory testing duties

• Follows written procedures and policies
• Performs sample preparation for testing to include but not limited to loading automated analyzers for chemistry, immunoassay, hematology, and urinalysis
• Assist Technologist to ensure testing meets or exceeds the turn-around-times
• Performs waived testing or support for testing as requested.
• Other laboratory duties as needed 

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• A Certificate or Associate Degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program; OR 

• Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemistry or biological science, plus one year experience in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT)or equivalent); OR 

• Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of  experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent);

Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, material, techniques, regulations, and safety.
• Skills in handling laboratory specimens, record keeping, and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in using different computer systems, including word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, EMR, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently, within established guidelines to adjust to rapidly changing priorities and apply critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a multitasking environment and display technical skills at various stations throughout the laboratory. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant - CLMA, AMT, ASCP or equivalent

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building.

 

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]