Laboratory Technical Assistant

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients.

The person in this position is authorized to perform moderately complex testing in the following areas:

chemistry hematology urinalysis issuing blood products assisting in bone marrow collection and slide

staining. The person provides support to transfuse patients safely maintain and monitor the blood product

inventory document all transactions relating to blood product movement and use. 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.

Performs data entry and sample processing for samples received for testing

• Checks accuracy of specimens requisitions and labels.
• Performs computer entry in EPIC test request and billing functions.
• 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 received

Laboratory testing duties

• Performs urine dipsticks and centrifuges urines for microscopy.
• Performs kit testing for example; strep A urine hCG.
• Performs testing with accuracy speed and efficiency using the Siemens EXLSysmex XN instrument.
• Follows written procedures and policies.
• Other laboratory duties as needed

Bone marrow bench duties

• 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 specimen for additional testing as needed.

Blood product duties

• Assist with maintaining and managing an adequate inventory of perishable blood products and ensure that excessive wastage does not occur. Monitorproducts stored in refrigerators and incubators
• Choose appropriate blood products for patients based on urgency of need available inventory lab results and therapeutic requirements. Consult withMedical Technologist as necessary
• Issue and return blood products according to SOP and documenting in computer system. Respond appropriately to alerts.
• Document transactions involving blood products correctly and legibly.
• Document proper temperature and appearance of blood products during storage and while in transit.
• Participate in Quality Assurance activities as assigned.
• Calibrate equipment as assigned.
• Organize check for accuracy and report blood product usage statistics as assigned.

Other Duties as assigned

• 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
• Fortyfive 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 Skillsand 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 several different computer systems including work processing dedicated LISHIS 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 problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in a multitasking environment and display technical skills a various stations throughout the laboratory.

Certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (CLMA(AMT) ASCP or equivalent);

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nightsweekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratoriesand sites by stairs elevator tram shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids chemicalhazards radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and otherPersonal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature controlproblems in building.