Lab Assistant, Core Lab

About the Role

DMC University Laboratories, Inc. is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and be part of a healthcare community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients.

Job Summary

Under general supervision and according to specific and detailed procedures, accurately performs specific pre-analytical and post-analytical tasks. Processes information by compiling, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data with attention to detail. Interacts with patients and other healthcare professionals, and responds to routine inquiries. Inspects and maintains work area, instruments, and supplies. Promotes DMC values by demonstrating behaviors supportive of building a High Reliability Culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Prioritizes incoming specimens; processes patient specimens in accordance with department safety and OSHA guidelines. Ensures stats and other critical tests are accurately and immediately processed. Documents specimen problems and refers to supervisor or other lead designee.
• May draw blood samples from patients based on physician's order and in accordance with departmental safety and OSHA guidelines (e.g. utilizes protective equipment such as gloves, coats, and shields); verifies patient identification and collects insurance information.
• Generates and attaches labels to specimen/blood samples; may perform specimen processing and aliquoting according to pre-established test requirements.
• Ensures specimen integrity by verifying patient identification and ensures the sample submitted is appropriate given the requested test. Sorts, racks, and delivers specimens to appropriate testing laboratory.
• Accurately enters and reviews laboratory test data in the laboratory computer system; detects and corrects errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards.
• Communicates with patients to explain procedures and/or answers routine questions from physicians, nurses, or other appropriate healthcare professionals (e.g. date or time of drawing patients blood or gathering specimens, verifying a request, etc.).
• Maintains a neat and clean work area; stocks storage area with supplies and inventories as necessary. Cleans glassware, equipment, and small instruments.
• May perform transportation duties (e.g. delivers specimens and reports); time stamps or computer verifies all laboratory requests; may order tests in the system.
• May conduct routine inspection, maintenance, and quality control checks on equipment (e.g. records temperatures). Reports unusual findings timely to supervisor or lead designee.
• May prepare the patient for and/or administer tolerance tests or other tests specific to assigned area.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties such as answering the telephone, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, or relaying a message to the appropriate personnel.
• Self-monitors their individual work behavior and performance to make improvements. Communicates training and development needs to management.
• Complies with departmental safety policies and procedures and OSHA guidelines, including the use of applicable personal protective equipment.
• Responsible to check organizational communication daily (i.e. Outlook, laboratory software, posted notices, etc.).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or equivalent education required.
• Candidate must have six (6) months experience in medical training, and/or certification in a healthcare environment or related science field (i.e. Lab Assistant, Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist or Health Science studies).
• Basic studies in medical terminology or a related health science field preferred.
• Customer service experience in a service environment preferred.
• For Phlebotomists - Phlebotomy Certification is preferred.

Facility Description

DMC University Laboratories (DMCUL) is a regional, integrated laboratory system providing services to the eight hospitals of Detroit Medical Center. DMC University Laboratories evolved in 1993 and is comprised of Core Laboratories, Specialty Laboratories, two rapid response hospital laboratories, Centralized Stat Lab, Centralized Blood Bank Lab, and full service outreach infrastructure.

Job Details

• Job Type: Full Time
• Shift Type: Day Shift
• Shift Start: 5:30 AM
• Shift End: 2:00 PM
• Location: Detroit, Michigan