A laboratory assistant assists with daily test site functions, including cleaning, preparing samples, recording test results, and ordering supplies. They must be conscientious and detail-oriented to prevent sample contamination and ensure proper sterilization techniques. This entry-level position can lead to advancement in the medical field.
A laboratory assistant usually works in a hospital setting or a similar type of clinical setting. Generally, the individual is responsible for assisting laboratory technicians or other medical personnel with daily test site functions. Job responsibilities typically include cleaning and sanitizing workspaces, sterilizing equipment, preparing samples, recording test results, entering data, and ordering supplies. Jobs as a laboratory assistant are generally entry-level positions, but a higher level of education, such as an associate’s degree or other form of specialized training, is sometimes a prerequisite for candidates interested in this area of healthcare.
When blood, urine or other samples are collected by hospital staff, doctors’ offices or technicians and sent to a laboratory, they are labeled with the patient’s name or identification number. It is very important that test results are properly analyzed and recorded. Typically, the result of a lab report helps determine a course of treatment for a patient or aids in a physician’s diagnosis. For this reason, a laboratory assistant must be extremely conscientious and detail oriented. Serious consequences for a patient’s health can occur if test samples are confused with someone else’s or if they are recorded incorrectly.
Proper sterilization techniques are also crucial in any laboratory environment. Typically, the assistant must meticulously adhere to cleaning procedures and safety standards to prevent sample contamination. Rules are also in place to ensure the safety of patients, lab assistants, technicians and others.
Often, a laboratory assistant performs administrative tasks as well as clinical tasks. Filing and data entry, for example, can be incorporated into daily responsibilities. The assistant can order supplies, inventory lab supplies, and keep items well stored for technicians.
Individuals who begin a career in healthcare as a laboratory assistant often find an excellent opportunity to advance in the medical field. Many people continue their education to become laboratory technicians, medical research analysts, nurses, physicians, or explore other areas of interest. It is also a great introductory career in the healthcare field for people who are unsure about future goals and aspirations.
Sometimes laboratory assistants work outside of the medical environment. They can find employment at colleges or universities equipped with scientific laboratories. Job responsibilities are similar to those in a healthcare environment. The main difference is that they are more likely to work with chemicals and compounds as opposed to blood or other human cultures. Sterilization, safety procedures, and proper handling of equipment, however, are still extremely important in any laboratory environment.
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