The Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services performs general laboratory and clerical procedures related to the collecting and accessioning of blood specimens for analysis by technologists.

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology performs a variety of site-specific laboratory and clerical duties related to the preparation and processing of tissue specimen slides for interpretation by laboratory technologists and pathologists, including tasks such as receiving and preparing pathology specimens for analysis, performing related cleaning and maintenance duties as delegated by the supervisor.

What you’ll do

- Perform venipuncture and micro blood collections from patients, collecting specimens according to the requirements of tests as indicated in requisitions.

- Process test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issue current patient identification number where required and identifies duplicate record problems, obtain or clarify missing or questionable information, correct errors and omissions in patient demographic data and enter corrections into computer systems. Enter test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

- Verify that specimens meet acceptable identification criteria and verify specimen type according to established procedures, sort and assign laboratory numbers to specimens, in priority according to pre-defined criteria, and apply barcode labels according to established operating procedures.

- Perform sweat collection.

- Prepare specimens for testing in accordance with established procedures by performing duties such as preparing smears, staining and coverslipping slides, centrifugation, aliquoting (subsampling), and loading samples onto specimen racks.

- Receive telephone/fax/over the counter requests for information and answer or direct requests according to established procedures.

- Prepare, record, and send specimens and appropriate request forms to outside/referral laboratories and hospitals according to Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and other regulatory requirements.

- Receive incoming specimens and requisitions and checks for accuracy and completeness of information such as personal health number, name, date of birth and tests required. Contact physicians or labs for missing information and makes necessary corrections. Organize, store, and retrieve specimens under appropriate conditions, document and ship samples to other laboratories and discard samples according to established procedures.

- Deliver samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory sections. Send lab results to wards, clinics and/or physicians according to pre-defined criteria.

- Respond to requests for test results, faxes same, as required. Forward requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.

- File and organize records, such as requisitions, statistical information and work schedules.

- Identify and communicate operational issues and computer/equipment related problems to supervisor.

- Order and receive supplies.

- Maintain laboratory equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges autostainers, coverslippers and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning, and temperature recording. Perform maintenance procedures according to established procedures. Recognize malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.

- Maintain daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedure by performing duties such as: preparing fresh disinfectant solutions; wiping bench tops and equipment following established procedures; cleaning centrifuges and testing and maintaining the section safety eyewash and shower according to established weekly and monthly procedures. Perform waste management duties as per standard operating procedures.

- Perform other related duties as required.

What you bring

Qualifications

- Completion of Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Laboratory Assistant training program plus one year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.