What You Will Do: The Clinical Laboratory Assistant – Microbiology Technician (CLA-Micro Tech) is responsible for accurate and efficient receipt, processing, and distribution of laboratory specimens from inpatients, outpatients, and outside clients in Microbiology. The CLA-Micro Tech maintains proficiency of the laboratory and hospital information systems, performs and results waived and non-waived testing. The CLA-Micro Tech processes primary culture specimens by inoculating various growth media, preparing slides for gram smear, and packaging specimens and inoculated cultures for transport to the reference lab. The CLA-Micro Tech acts as a liaison between the laboratory and nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare providers and the reference laboratory. Responsibilities: • Performs all functions in the Specimen Processing Department to ensure accurate and timely receipt and prompt distribution of specimens in the appropriate departments following established policies and procedures. • Performs all functions in the Microbiology Department to ensure accurate and timely resulting of rapid antigen and molecular testing for infectious diseases. • Accurately and completely labels specimens that are transferred to secondary and tertiary containers according to established laboratory policies and procedures. • Plans and organizes workflow relative to specimen priorities, responding to Stat specimen requests in a timely manner and flagging these specimens for prompt attention by the technical laboratory team to meet clinical needs and assure customer satisfaction. • Assists with loading specimens on analyzers in various departments. • Performs all Microbiology culture set-up including manipulation (grinding) of surgically-collected tissue, cyto-centrifugation of sterile body fluids, selection and inoculation of appropriate media based on culture type and specimen source, and streaking agar plates (growth media) for isolation of microorganisms. • Prepares primary gram smear slides on both Stat and Routine culture specimens. • Packages primary specimens and inoculated culture media for transport to reference lab in accordance with the policies of the reference laboratory. • Monitors quality and function of portable incubators for specimen and culture transport. • Accurately documents all packaged and transported contents in the PHC Lab Information System. • Uses Lab IS reports to capture workload and investigate missing or delayed specimens or missing / delayed lab results. • Documents exceptions to specimen integrity, works closely with the reference laboratory to create the optimal culture-growth environment for irretrievable specimens that are submitted sub-optimally to the laboratory. • Performs and results waived and non-waived laboratory testing procedures in specimen processing and microbiology departments. • Performs and documents Quality Control and takes corrective action including reporting of issues to laboratory leadership. Requirements: • High School Diploma or equivalent required • Completion of approved Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant program preferred • ASCP Phlebotomy Certification preferred #LI-KH *CA About Us: Learn more at ProHealthCare.org/Careers. ProHealth Care is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive work environment and values the perspectives of our people. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.