Laboratory Assistant

Job Responsibilities 

Essential Functions: 

• Coordinate specimen processing activities by receiving, labeling, assessing, centrifuging, aliquoting, storing, and retrieving specimens to support accurate and timely laboratory testing 
• Enter patient demographics, insurance information, and test orders into laboratory systems with accuracy to support efficient registration, tracking, and results workflow 
• Prepare, track, package, and ship specimens to internal laboratory sites and external reference laboratories, resolving routine specimen issues according to established guidelines 
• Maintain laboratory supplies and inventory, support reagent and consumable ordering, and assist with supply evaluations to promote operational readiness and continuity of care 
• Monitor and document environmental, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures to help protect specimen integrity and maintain laboratory quality standards 
• Transport specimens, requisitions, and reports within the hospital and between laboratory departments 
• Support analyzer setup by loading carriers, cassettes, and specimen racks 

Scope and Impact: 

• Contribute directly to turnaround time, specimen integrity, laboratory quality, and patient experience by ensuring work is completed accurately, safely, and on schedule 
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures by identifying specimen quality concerns, validating collection details, and escalating issues that could affect testing or patient safety 
• Work under supervision while managing assigned laboratory support, clerical, and patient-facing responsibilities across inpatient, outpatient, and reference testing workflows 
• Build strong connections with patients, caregivers, and laboratory colleagues to support a coordinated care experience and dependable service across the organization 

Compliance and Professional: 

• Follow laboratory, departmental, infection control, NYSDOH, CDC, and blood and body fluids requirements during specimen collection, processing, handling, transport, and shipping 
• Protect patient privacy and handle clinical information in accordance with HIPAA access expectations and organizational confidentiality standards 
• Complete required training, education, and competency validations within established timelines to maintain readiness for assigned laboratory support duties 
• Use required personal protective equipment and safe work practices when handling blood, body fluids, hazardous materials, and potentially infectious specimens 
• Maintain accurate documentation and promptly report quality, safety, equipment, or specimen concerns through appropriate escalation channels 
• Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations 
• As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks 

Additional Expectations: 

• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, providers, and colleagues to support service excellence and a positive care experience 
• Support a clean, organized, and well-stocked work environment that promotes safety, readiness, and efficient laboratory operations 
• Participate in departmental improvement efforts and adapt to changing workflows, priorities, and operational needs in a fast-paced healthcare setting 
• Participate in and apply principles learned in Customer Service Training 
• Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions 
• Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations 
• Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs 

Position Qualifications 

Required: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

Preferred: 

• Up to 1 year of direct experience performing the exact or very similar duties required by the job within the same role or function 
• Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public 
• Up to 1 year of technical/systems experience using specialized tools, software, or equipment required for the role