A laboratory clerk primarily performs administrative and clerical duties supporting laboratory operations. Common responsibilities include receiving, processing, reporting, and delivering laboratory test results and reports as they are completed. Laboratory clerks also receive and coordinate test orders from physicians, prioritize specimen collection, and liaise with phlebotomy staff to ensure efficient sample handling and laboratory workflow[1].
Additional duties often include:
- Answering questions about lab tests, procedures, and requirements from patients, healthcare providers, or staff[1].
- Filing laboratory reports, managing patient records, and performing data entry tasks[2].
- Maintaining inventory, preparing orders for lab supplies, and arranging courier or package transportation for lab samples[1].
- Assisting with classroom or laboratory setup (in educational or training environments), preparing equipment and materials for exercises or demonstrations, and maintaining lab cleanliness and safety[3].
- Directing telephone inquiries and providing routine information as needed[3].
- Assisting phlebotomists as needed—for example, facilitating patient collections, distributing patient samples, or checking specimen requirements[4].
- Preparing billing charges and ensuring patient and test information is accurately processed[7].
Key skills and qualifications for this role typically include:
- Basic clerical skills, including typing, filing, and familiarity with medical terminology[4].
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities for managing patient orders and tracking specimen status[2].
- Effective communication skills for interacting with healthcare professionals, patients, and laboratory staff[1].
- High attention to detail and the ability to follow precise directions[5].
- Basic computer literacy for data entry and the use of laboratory information systems[2].
- Compliance with hospital and laboratory safety protocols[1].
Minimum education requirements usually include a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers may prefer additional certifications or relevant healthcare experience[5]. Physical requirements can involve lifting, standing, and occasional exposure to laboratory materials[3].
References
- [1] What Is the Job of a Laboratory Clerk? – ZipRecruiter
- [2] 15 Laboratory Clerk Skills For Your Resume – Zippia
- [3] Laboratory Clerk – North Orange County Community College District
- [4] Job Description for Laboratory Clerk – Oroville Hospital
- [5] Laboratory Clerk: What Is It? and How to Become One?
- [7] Job Description – Lab Clerk 7505 #10758 – Oroville Hospital