Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

Job Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) works in various areas of the laboratory, registering patients, collecting samples, and assessing the acceptability of samples for testing. Processes samples for testing including centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping. Provides support for clinical testing including preparation of slides, loading instruments, setting up cultures, and result reporting. The MLA performs waived and point of care testing. Complies with all federal and state regulations. Responsible to Laboratory Director and Laboratory Technologists.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintains phlebotomy areas keeping the clean and properly supplied.
• Greets patients in a courteous manner, introducing themselves and obtaining proper identification by positive patient identification (PPID).
• Adheres to all CLIA, AABB, CLSI regulatory guidelines when performing tests/tasks in the laboratory.
• Uses time between tests to perform office work, assisting technical staff, submitting laboratory charges, and monitoring the pending specimens list.
• Restocks work areas and performs light cleaning when needed. Performs daily tasks without supervision.
• Completes any assigned competency assignments yearly or as required.
• Assists Laboratory Technologists with the completion of work tasks.
• Maintains laboratory’s record keeping of specimen rejections and makes sure tests are reported timely.
• Assists in training of new personnel and developing student’s skills through clinical rotations.

Qualifications:

• Education
  • Required: High School graduate with completion of phlebotomy certification program, Medical Laboratory Assistant program (eligible), or Medical Assistant.
• Work Experience
  • Required: At least one year experience in a clinical laboratory with phlebotomy experience.
• Licensure/Certifications/Registrations
  • Medical Laboratory Assistant, MLA (ASCP) or equivalent within one year of hire.