Lab Assistant

**Job Description**:
By providing exceptional service, the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) supports the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) strategic plan and MY CARE philosophy which includes the:

- Vision - Making Each Life Better. Together.
- Mission - Exceptional Care is Our Passion. Safety is Our Promise
- Values - Work Together. Respect All. Think Big. Own It. Care.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
As an integral member of the Laboratory team the Medical Laboratory Assistant, the MLA may perform specific tasks under the direction of the Charges/Team Leaders/ Medical Laboratory Technologists in the areas of Specimen Receiving, Chemistry, Hematology, Transfusion Services, Microbiology, Histology and Cytology. The Medical Laboratory Assistant responsibilities include:

- assisting the Medical Laboratory Technologist in setting up testing/tasks in assigned area using accepted safety procedures; e.g. urine analyzer maintenance and quality controls, urinalysis, rapid testing set-up; including RSV and Group A Strep antigen.
- Specimen planting including Gram smear preparation and positive blood culture vials.
- receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines; preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, media and solutions, as required;
- preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites; performing report handling and other associated clerical duties;
- assisting in inventory and supply control;
- assisting with pipette calibration;
- organizing workload among technical team to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory demonstrating financial accountability for time, resources and supplies
- performing laboratory procedures as outlined in the procedure manuals for the discipline - specific functions;
- ensuring the maintenance of quality assurance and equipment within assigned area of the laboratory;
- maintaining an inventory management system for the efficient utilization and distribution of laboratory equipment and supplies;
- maintaining a system for detecting, documenting and reporting discrepancies/errors and taking appropriate action(s) as required;
- reading and signing off on new and/or revised procedures, protocols and performance standards in collaboration.
- providing feedback to the appropriate leadership for improvements or corrections for policies and procedures
- liaising with other Laboratory and RVH staff, external laboratories, hospitals and physician’s offices
- maintaining Ontario Laboratory Accreditation (OLA) compliance
- participating in initial and refresher training for new and current staff
- participating in staff and patient experience and feedback initiatives, professional development, teaching/ educational activities, safety and quality improvement programs to ensure excellence in the provision of services;
- observing and understanding RVH and departmental policies and procedures, adhering to RVH and departmental mission and vision statements while maintaining patient confidentiality; performing other related duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned, requested, or required.

SKILLS/ABILITES:

- Demonstrated knowledge of Ontario Laboratory Accreditation program preferred Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies within the field.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with
- staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks at a time in a cost-effective manner.
- Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
- Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
- Demonstrated excellent conflict resolution and change management skills.
- Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION
- Completion of Grade XII or recognized equivalent required.
- Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Certification from Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) required.

EXPERIENCE
- Minimum one (1) year recent laboratory experience
- Knowledge of medical terminology essential
- General knowledge of all areas of the laboratory preferred
- Thorough knowledge of the theory and practices of laboratories procedures, automated instruments/equipment and special techniques preferred
- Working knowledge of OLA requirements
- Previous data entry/computer experience essential
- Meditech and LIS knowledge and experience an asset
- Phlebotomy collection experience with patients in a variety of health care conditions