Lab Associate Jobs in Illinois

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs, evaluates, and monitors laboratory tests as authorized within established protocols, selecting and performing additional procedures when indicated. Monitors workflow and makes necessary adjustments to complete work in an appropriate timeframe.
• Evaluates results for clinical significance, validity and appropriateness. Follows prescribed policy in the reporting and notification of test results.
• Performs and documents calibration and maintenance of instruments and equipment. Performs and documents quality control; evaluates quality control results and takes corrective action when indicated.
• Recognizes indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction and makes basic corrections by using prescribed strategies, or notifies the Medical Technologist, site coordinator or supervisor. Performs internal and external proficiency testing in the same manner as patient samples.
• Collects specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to established protocol. Ascertains specimens are properly labeled and suitable for testing.
• Provides technical assistance to Phlebotomists and support staff.
• Assists in improving the quality and efficiency of laboratory procedures, policies, and processes.
• Performs all internal and external proficiency testing in the same manner as patient samples.
• Performs specialty testing in areas including transfusion services, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, histology, coagulation, and flow cytometry.
• Provides direct support and timely, accurate laboratory results for critical care departments such as the ED, ICU and OR during a high acuity patient event. This includes transfusion services, attending codes, performing testing on irretrievable samples, tissue grinding and gram stains, mass casualty procedures, and mass transfusion procedures.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) needs to be obtained within 1 year, or
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification issued by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required:

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Lab Technician or related field.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Maintains patient confidentiality in and out of the workplace.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to operate all equipment essential in performing the job.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for the majority of the workday.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and/or infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood and body fluids.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.