Public Health Laboratory Assistant

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Who we are. *We protect lives.The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide.

We are committed to preventing disease, injury, and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing the State of Georgia for responding to disasters.

What we offer. As a member of the Georgia Department of Public Health team, you will join a passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to making an impact.

No matter your role, you will individually contribute to protecting the lives of all Georgians while receiving a wide range of benefits, so you can : Make a Professional Impact - Build your career where it matters and protect lives in the community where you live, work, and playEnjoy Workplace Flexibility -Experience flexibility in how you work so you can be your best self for you and Georgia ResidentsWork witha Dynamic and Diverse Team -Collaborative and inclusive way of working where employees share ideas and leverage collective strengthsAchieve Career Longevity -Countless opportunities for continuous learning / development that support a long-term careerTake Part in a Hands-on Working Culture - Unique culture of active engagement and problem-solving, no matter your roleFeel Pride in Where you Work - Be part of making an impact in public health alongside dedicated people just like youAs an accredited public health department, we're seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Laboratory Assistant (Laboratory Aide 3) tojoin the Division of Medical / Clinical Services, Public Health Laboratory located in Decatur, GA.

Job ResponsibilitiesReceives and accessions specimens in the Central Accessioning specimen processing area.In a rapid pace team based approach, receives, sorts, opens, removes from mailing containers and bags.

Processes all specimens that arrive during the day.Correlates patient identifying information on specimen with that on the requisition form.

Always notifies supervisor or designee promptly when there is a discrepancy.Visually inspects all specimens to determine acceptability for further processing or testing based on specific variables not requiring technical or clinical expertise (damaged in transit, leaking and / or labeled with proper patient identifiers).

All discrepancies, problem with specimens and or requisition forms are legibly recorded in the appropriate problem logbook on the day of specimen receipt if possible (Quality assurance and Specimen accountability).

Accurately affixes the same accession number on the specimen its accompanying requisition form. Spot checks accession numbers and bar codes during accessioning process (Quality Assurance and Specimen accountability).

Ensures that the specimen requisition form is stamped with the appropriate time and date; that specimen was received into the accessioning area before forwarding the form to the data entry section and transporting the specimen to the appropriate area for testing.

Performance will be evaluated by : Direct observation of specimen handlingInspection of Accession logsAbility to work successfully in a team.

Batches and prepares specimens for testing using Universal PrecautionsProcesses specimens carefully in the bio-safety cabinet to prevent aerosol production, avoid creating a potential human health hazard and specimen cross contamination.

Begins accessioning and specimen processing promptly or within no more than 30 minutes of specimen receipt to avoid delays in testing resulting in increased turnaround times.

Performance will be evaluated by : Spot checking and legitimate complaints from testing areas.Technical and Clerical DutiesDaily accurately e ters patient demographic, specimen, test, and client data from the requisition form into Laboratory System (LISM).

Daily accurately enters patient demographics, specimen, test and client data from Newborn Screening requisition forms into NBS application.

Daily generates appropriate logs / printouts for comparison with original data source to proof-read and correct errors. (Quality Assurance and self-check.

Helps train new personnel.Answer the telephone agreeably and conscientiously.Perform necessary cleaning, disinfecting, and understands safety precautions required for discards.

Uses Universal Precautions 100% of the time.Disposes of all contaminated materials and waste safely using established guidelines daily.

Disinfects all work areas, counter spaces, and bio-safety cabinets utilized in specimen processing after each use and as needed on a daily basis with 10% Bleach solutions.

Cleans and disinfects all carts, reusable container, refrigerators and trays used for specimen processing storage and transport.

Records cleaning dates in appropriate log book.Discards all blood specimens that have collection dates older than thirty days.

Ask the supervisor or designated technical personnel before disposing other specimens (i.e. cerebrospinal fluid or any specimen that is unrecoverable).

Keep work area floor clean, clear and free of safety hazards.Cleans and disinfects personal face shields as needed. Changes and properly discards disposable protective laboratory garments as needed.

Uses fresh and adequate amounts of appropriate disinfectant solutions. Reconstitutes or dilutes as directed weekly or as required (Quality Assurance and Bio-safety).

Check refrigerator and freezer temperatures, operational safety (Fluorescent and ultraviolet light source, blower, alarm, pressure range) of bio-safety hoods daily.

Records result, problem and corrective measures taken daily (Quality Assurance and Bio-safety).Performance will be evaluated by : Frequent routine review of appropriate log booksSpot check and regular inspection of work areas and spaces.

Returns reusable shipping boxes and containers to submitters by mail or designated courier service. Maintains adequate supplies by frequent inventory audit and usage assessment.

Assembles appropriate shipping or packaging materials for forwarding specimens and / or empty reusable mailers to appropriate testing facilities or clients.

Check supplies weekly, informing Supervisor or designee when an order needs to be placed.Minimum QualificationsHigh school diploma or GED AND Two years of related experienceOROne year of experience required at the lower level Laboratory Aide 2 (LSS011) or position equivalent.

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