Laboratory Technical Assistant

Department Overview

This position provides technical support in the Core Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for OHSU

hospital and clinic patients. Testing is performed in the following areas: microbiology, serological and

urinalysis. 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.

Function/Duties of Position

Laboratory Testing Duties

• Performs urine dipsticks and centrifuges urines for microscopy.
• Performs kit testing for example, strep A, urine hCG, Rapid HIV, C-Diff, Occult Blood.
• Performs testing with accuracy, speed, and efficiency, using the IRIS instrument, Cepheid, Biofire and Virtuo instrumentation. 
• Follows written procedures and policies.
• Other laboratory duties as needed 

Performs data entry and sample processing for samples received for testing

• Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions, labels
• Performs computer entry in EPIC, and Beaker systems
• 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.

Answers multi-line telephone and performs client services duties

• Provides a pleasant and professional telephone manner as frontline representative of the laboratory
• Assists needs of callers in all aspects of laboratory operations
• Transfers or refers calls or confers with other areas of lab or hospital as needed
• Follows up on all client questions and problems within the same working day
• Records phone calls and resolution of problems according to lab procedures
• Performs other client services duties such as: phoning results, generating and faxing reports, reporting results for interpretive tests, mailing reports, etc.
• Does whatever is necessary to meet needs of customers

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, materials and techniques, and safety.
• Has demonstrated exceptional customer service and telephone communication skills.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens (including microbiological specimens), record keeping, sterile technique, and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in using several different computer programs including WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Access, or other similar applications, dedicated LIS, SMS, including Order Entry and results retrieval on LCR, etc. 
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard lab equipment.
• Ability to initiate procedures and policies to improve workflow and work accuracy in the section.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of clients including doctors, nurses, laboratory staff and patients, and maintain a customer service focus at all times.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, to communicate and work effectively within a group 

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.

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 askhr@ohsu.edu