Laboratory Technical Assistant

Tasks

• Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.

• Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.

• Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.

• Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.

• Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.

• Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.

• Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.

• Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.

• Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.

• Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.

• Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.

• Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.

• Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.

• Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.

• Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.

Skills

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Knowledge

• Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

• Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.