Laboratory Attendant 1

Key Responsibilities-

• Receives pre-packaged samples and transports to appropriate laboratory areas.
• Receives, opens and distributes mail and faxes.
• Picks up bio-hazardous waste and packages for disposal according to safety standards.
• Completes logs and records as required (i.e. eyewash, spill kit, bench cleaning etc.).
• Opens, sorts and racks specimens upon receipt.
• Washes glassware including loading, operating and unloading equipment.
• Prepares clean glassware for sterilization, i.e. capping tubes.
• Sorts and restocks clean glassware and other laboratory related inventory (e.g. gloves, labels etc.).
• Operates and performs minor maintenance on equipment (e.g. dishwashers, material lift, Biological Safety Cabinets (BSC)).
• Completes logs for temperature monitoring and alerts supervisor/delegate when out of range.
• Prepares solutions (i.e. bench top cleaner - 70% ethanol or bleach products).
• Delivers/receives laboratory supplies from supply chain.
• Receives and records lot numbers of incoming supplies either electronically or in log book.
• Reviews and records inventory numbers on logs and alerts appropriate supervisor/delegate when there is a need to order.
• Packages materials/samples for delivery to onsite and regional laboratories.
• Archives samples in designated areas.
• Prints barcode labels, checks specimen bags to ensure all samples have been removed, replaces sponges/racks etc. in the bags.
• Maintains filing systems as required including filing of requisitions daily; locating requisitions (in PDF) as requested by other laboratory staff.
• May provide data entry and scanning of laboratory requisitions into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and other software (e.g. Excel, Access) and Public Health Ontario (PHO) systems (e.g. Laboratory Result Management Application (LRMA)).
• Assists with scanning, searching for requisitions not scanned and records storage process.
• Trains and orients new team members as assigned.
• Performs other duties or projects as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills-

• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory safety procedures to provide a range of laboratory services in support of operations.
• Knowledge of computer systems, familiarity with laboratory information systems, MS office products such as Word and Excel.
• Proficient computer skills necessary to work with automated, computer driven equipment.
• Knowledge of general laboratory safety procedures to provide laboratory attendant services.
• Knowledge of operation procedures for equipment i.e. glassware washing machine, ultrasonic tank, material lift.
• Familiar with WHIMIS requirements to ensure adherence to standards.
• Knowledge of computer systems for basic record keeping.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with peers in order to seek direction on requirements.
• Written communication skills to complete basic logs.

Education and Experience-

• High school diploma.

Attributes and Competencies-

• Regular requirement to lift up to 10 kgs.
• Regular requirement to perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning flasks and tubes and to stand for extended period of time.
• Requires physical activity such as walking, lifting, stretching, bending.
• Works within a Laboratory environment which contains hazardous and infectious materials, odors, noise generated from automated analyzers, some temperature extremes, such as walk in fridges and freezers.
• Works shifts as assigned.
• Works within well established procedures for a Laboratory Attendant and within PHO Lab Standard Operating Procedures.
• Recognizes the potential hazard of samples being delivered and seeks guidance as required.
• Situations not covered by specific instructions or detailed SOP are referred to supervisor.