Full job description

Laboratory Assistant Accessioning, BC Cancer, Vancouver

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Laboratory Assistant performs veni punctures and general laboratory and clerical procedures related to the drawing, collecting and preparation of blood and other body fluid specimens for analysis. Performs Electrocardiogram (ECG) testing when required.

What you’ll do

• 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.
• Perform venipuncture and micro blood collections from patients, collecting specimens according to the requirements of tests as indicated in requisitions.
• Under the supervision of a Registered Technician or Technologist, performs duties such as operating ECG equipment during stress testing and related procedures and scanning recordings from equipment such as holter monitors and pacemakers.
• Process test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issues new patient identification information where required and identifies duplicate record problems, obtains or clarifies missing or questionable information, corrects errors and omissions in patient demographic data and enters corrections into computer systems.
• Enter test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Prepare test runs by pulling specimens for worksheet, matching specimens and requisitions.
• Assign accessioning numbers to requisitions and corresponding specimens.
• 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.
• Centrifuge blood and body fluids.
• Aliquot blood and other body fluid samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedures 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 the dip stick portion of routine urinalysis.
• Respond to requests for the status of blood tests by checking the computer terminal or laboratory records when required. Forwards requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, and centrifuges and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning, and temperature recording.
• Perform maintenance procedures according to established procedures. Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.
• Keep workstations well stocked with supplies.
• Monitor supplies and advises lead hand or designate when supplies need replenishing and performs related duties such as receiving, recording and storing new shipments of supplied.
• Maintain a current knowledge of laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Prepare and stains slides when required.
• Demonstrate work routines to new laboratory personnel as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.