WHAT DOES A LAB ASSISTANT DO?

Updated: Dec 29, 2025 - The Lab Assistant conducts required product quality testing, reports results to stakeholders, and identifies non-conforming items for corrective action. This position supports quality operations by coaching staff, participating in audits, maintaining calibrated equipment, and ensuring proper labeling, packing, and handling of tested products and biological specimens. The assistant also manages inventory, performs clerical tasks, receives shipments, and keeps the laboratory clean and well-organized.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Lab Assistant

1. Lab Assistant Duties

  • Sample Preparation: Conduct final sample preparation in the final sampling room.
  • Laboratory Analysis: Conduct laboratory analysis and reporting.
  • Technical Assistance: Assist the chemist in the technical development project.
  • Inventory Management: Maintain the inventory of all laboratory facilities and equipment.
  • Inventory Reporting: Check, record, and report on the inventory of all laboratory supplies.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Carry out calibration and maintenance of all laboratory equipment as per schedule or as instructed.
  • Housekeeping Compliance: Ensure good housekeeping in the laboratory.
  • Procedure Compliance: Follow the existing system and documentation as per the procedures.
  • Record Updating: Update the relevant records.

2. Lab Assistant Details

  • Specimen Handling: Receives, accesses, aliquots, stores, and disposes of specimens while maintaining the chain of custody.
  • Specimen Receiving: Receive specimens for testing.
  • Order Evaluation: Evaluate specimens and test orders.
  • Workflow Organization: Accession and aliquot specimens, and organize work to maintain efficiency and acceptable turnaround time.
  • Specimen Assessment: Recognize unacceptable and unusual specimens and handle them appropriately.
  • Sample Processing: Process client samples, quality control samples, and proficiency samples.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Maintain work area, clean equipment, and perform scheduled maintenance procedures.
  • Material Handling: Perform material handling duties by supplying workstations with packaged samples to process, racks and bins to hold processed samples, removing empty racks and bins, and stocking other supplies necessary for the accessioning of samples.

3. Lab Assistant Responsibilities

  • Stock Replenishment: Replenish Perfumer Assistants' stock bottles.
  • Material Disposal: Potpourri of old raw materials and sample oils.
  • Beaker Collection: Gather used beakers from the Perfumer Assistants' benches.
  • Dishwashing Operation: Run dishwashers twice daily.
  • Cabinet Stocking: Stock cabinets with clean beakers.
  • Lab Supplies: Replenish laboratory stock (pipettes, tongue depressors, application sticks, C-fold towels, soap, gloves, bottles, caps, etc.).
  • Stockroom Maintenance: Maintain the stock room by replacing expired materials with fresh supplies.
  • Sample Assistance: Assist Sample Compounding and/or Fragrance Laboratory with packing and labeling outgoing samples.
  • Safety Compliance: Follow all Takasago safety policies and procedures.

4. Lab Assistant Job Summary

  • Sample Sorting: Sorts, scans, and assigns sequence numbers to different laboratory areas.
  • Sample Processing: Processes samples for testing.
  • Reagent Preparation: Prepares reagents and pipettes/aliquots of reagents under supervision.
  • Slide Labeling: Labels and stains hematology slides.
  • Glassware Maintenance: Gathers, rinses, washes, dries, and restocks glassware and consumables in the laboratory.
  • Test Execution: Performs limited, non-complex, waived tests for review by a team member.
  • Task Accuracy: Performs daily work assignments accurately and promptly.

5. Lab Assistant Accountabilities

  • Glassware Collection: Collects laboratory glassware from all laboratory departments and research areas.
  • Handling Procedures: Follow pre-treatment and special handling procedures on glassware.
  • Glassware Sterilization: Packages and sterilizes supplies and glassware according to procedure.
  • Equipment Operation: Loads and operates the laboratory glassware washer and sterilizer.
  • Product Delivery: Delivers clean products to the appropriate location and laboratory.
  • Phlebotomy Support: Serves as a phlebotomist for CCL during AM NICU phlebotomy draws.
  • Test Processing: Performs basic Lab Assistant duties of ordering and receiving tests.

6. Lab Assistant Functions

  • Specimen Testing: Collects, transports, receives, prepares, and accurately tests biological specimens using safe work practices and proper laboratory techniques while maintaining specimen integrity.
  • Test Performance: Performs waived and moderately complex testing as allowed by CLIA regulations.
  • Specimen Evaluation: Critically evaluates specimen integrity.
  • Result Validation: Ensures that lab results fit the clinical context for each patient's specimen.
  • Exception Reporting: Immediately reports testing outside of normal parameters to authorized testing personnel.
  • Result Communication: Communicates and documents test status and results promptly to clinical personnel involved in patient care.
  • System Maintenance: Maintains and operates test systems for optimal performance.
  • Issue Resolution: Collaborates with a tech or a technician to resolve technical issues.

7. Lab Assistant Job Description

  • Specimen Handling: Sorting and receiving specimens in the department.
  • Instrument Maintenance: Performing routine instrument maintenance on some equipment.
  • Specimen Centrifugation: Performing laboratory tasks of centrifuging specimens.
  • Label Printing: Printing extra labels.
  • Data Recording: Recording data (temperature charts), specimen storage, and retrieval.
  • Reagent Preparation: Preparing reagents and/or media in the department.
  • Specimen Preparation: Preparing specimens at workstations for testing (including building worklists, aliquoting specimens into sample cups).
  • Specimen Inspection: Checking specimens for clots and fibrin, inoculation, slide preparation.
  • Sample Resolution: Resolving pending lists and finding missing samples.
  • Area Decontamination: Decontaminating work areas.
  • Radiation Testing: Performing weekly radioactive wipe tests.
  • Record Management: Maintaining files for department records.
  • Gas Handling: Changing gas cylinders and disposing of biohazardous material.
  • Safety Compliance: Following all PPE requirements and all safety regulations.
  • System Operation: Using the laboratory computer system as well as operating PCs.

8. Lab Assistant Overview

  • Item Transport: Prepares, delivers, and picks up items according to health and safety regulations and laboratory policies to ensure specimen integrity, quality patient care, and caregiver safety.
  • Specimen Collection: Collects and labels specimens for requested testing, processes specimens according to established guidelines, and completes documentation for the specimen.
  • Data Entry: Performs data entry of patient demographics and tests ordered.
  • Specimen Processing: Performs all paperwork, technical, and nontechnical procedures required to process and submit specimens.
  • Sample Handling: Receives, handles, sorts, processes, or packages specimens.
  • Client Communication: Receives and makes telephone calls and uses computer terminals and reference guides to provide information and answer questions from clients and patients regarding specimen requirements, test results, and other client requests.
  • Result Evaluation: Recognizes abnormal results and follows up as defined in standard operating procedures.

9. Lab Assistant Details and Accountabilities

  • Experiment Management: Organise, prepare, and manage all science experiments and practicals under the guidance of the Head of Department.
  • Equipment Tracking: Maintain and update the register of lab equipment.
  • Chemical Inventory: Maintain and update the register of chemicals and other consumables.
  • Experiment Preparation: Prepare lab experiments and practicals in coordination with the Head of Department and teachers.
  • Lab Organization: Responsible for keeping the labs organised and clean in coordination with the Head of Department and teachers.
  • Damage Reporting: Report breakage or damage of equipment to the Head of Department.
  • Safety Compliance: Responsible for safety procedures in the labs in coordination with other members of the department.
  • Supply Planning: Prepare an annual list of consumables, glassware, and equipment in conjunction with the Head of Department.
  • Lab Security: Ensure labs are locked when not in use.
  • Policy Adherence: Ensure the GEMS policies, procedures, and codes of conduct are followed at all times.
  • Work Commitment: Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday where tasks require additional commitment.
  • Meeting Participation: Attend staff meetings and serve on committees.
  • Task Support: Perform other duties as requested by direct and dotted reporting line managers/supervisors.

10. Lab Assistant Tasks

  • Specimen Support: Assists with receiving, identifying, accessioning, processing, and transporting specimens.
  • Workplace Organization: Keeps work area in a safe, aseptic, and organized manner.
  • Clerical Tasks: Fulfills clerical duties, which may include but are not limited to answering phones, data entry, and filing.
  • Record Maintenance: Processes specimens and performs record-keeping duties as required by the department.
  • Inventory Management: Maintains equipment and performs materials management duties such as keeping supply inventories at optimum levels and transporting specimens, equipment, and supplies.

11. Lab Assistant Responsibilities

  • Friendly Demeanor: Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance
  • Teamwork Collaboration: Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments.
  • Effective Communication: Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others
  • Time Management: Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
  • Order Entry: Accurate and efficient test order entry into the Laboratory Information System.
  • System Utilization: Accurate use of the Laboratory Information System for the verification of sample receipt, result entry, and report printing.
  • Specimen Processing: Efficient processing of specimens received from the pneumatic tube station or drop-off window.
  • Automation Operation: Proper use of the automation line inlet per lab policy.
  • Specimen Handling: Efficient receipt and handling of specimens not processed by the automation line.
  • Problem Resolution: Assist with problem resolution regarding patient specimens.
  • Client Notification: Provide prompt and courteous notification to clients regarding specimen problems, including identification and collection issues.
  • Call Management: Answer and appropriately triage department phone calls.
  • Specimen Receipt: Properly receives and processes specimens from other laboratories.
  • Safety Compliance: Follows the Joint Commission National Patient Safety goals regarding the use of two patient identifiers

12. Lab Assistant Accountabilities

  • Buffer Preparation: Schedule preparation of routine laboratory buffers and solutions, maintain and reorder materials for buffers
  • Safety Checks: Complete daily laboratory walk-throughs and safety checks.
  • Hazardous Waste Handling: Store and dispose of hazardous wastes using safety procedures
  • Waste Procedure Support: Assist in informing supervisor and staff of proper hazardous waste disposal procedures.
  • Safety Enforcement: Enforce lab safety codes in all lab areas to ensure employee safety.
  • Supervisor Communication: Communicate with the laboratory supervisor regarding special needs and maintenance of laboratory facilities.
  • Inventory Support: Support an inventory tracking system in place for all science supplies and special equipment.
  • Supply Coordination: Coordinate the purchasing of supplies and special equipment with the laboratory supervisor.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Assist with the maintenance of laboratory equipment (service or replace).
  • Lab Organization: Maintain cleanliness and organization within lab spaces, entrance areas, gowning rooms, lab hallways, and lab management storage areas.

13. Lab Assistant Functions

  • Reference Management: Maintain a reference library of scientific catalogs, instruction manuals, keys, troubleshooting guides, and operation and parts manuals for laboratory equipment and models
  • Task Execution: Perform assigned responsibilities, duties, and tasks according to established practices, procedures, techniques, and standards in a safe manner and with minimal supervision.
  • Vendor Interaction: Interact with equipment vendors on service calls.
  • Consumable Management: Manage the reagent/common consumables store/liaison with VWR, Liaison with EH&S, and lab waste disposal services
  • Access Coordination: Coordinate access requests and lab safety training
  • Usage Coordination: Communicate and coordinate lab usage requests/requirements
  • Lab Maintenance: Daily lab maintenance/common area cleanup/lab space storage
  • Safety Familiarity: Acquire familiarity with safety data sheets and chemical hygiene practices
  • Adhoc Support: Complete simple ad-hoc requests from supervisors/managers and/or lab users
  • Procedure Compliance: Read, understand, and comply with detailed procedures that ensure the safety of all.

14. Lab Assistant Details and Accountabilities

  • Customer Service: Provide customer service in each patient interaction by providing instruction, emotional support, or other patient care to obtain the specimen.
  • Specimen Handling: Receives and handles laboratory specimens, equipment, and supplies.
  • Sample Delivery: Delivers samples and supplies to various laboratory departments.
  • Sample Preparation: Prepare specimen or fluid samples to transport from the collection site to the laboratories
  • Carrier Utilization: Uses designated carrier service to send specimens at the end of each shift.
  • Sample Packaging: Prepares and packages samples for transport to referral laboratories.
  • Cross Training: Assist the laboratory team by cross-training in other positions and assisting
  • PPE Utilization: Correct utilization of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Work Environment: Assists in maintaining a clean laboratory work environment.
  • Specimen Disposal: Dispose of unused specimens in accordance with clinic protocol and applicable laws, standards, or policies.
  • Risk Compliance: Compliance with workplace policies and procedures for risk identification, risk assessment, and risk control.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with HIPAA, CLIA, COLA, and CAP regulatory requirements.

15. Lab Assistant Additional Details

  • Quality Testing: Conduct required sample quality testing of finished products, submit results for quality control approval, and identify non-conforming products.
  • Quality Reporting: Report on and communicate product quality results with appropriate internal and external stakeholders.
  • Employee Coaching: Deliver coaching to employees, including sampling, testing, and knowledge of quality-related company procedures.
  • Audit Participation: Participate in internal and external quality audits with the Quality Officer.
  • Corrective Actions: Implement corrective actions arising from identified deficiencies.
  • Equipment Calibration: Coordinate equipment calibrations with the suppliers, as well as keep the laboratory equipment in a clean and accurate form.
  • Product Labeling: Label and pack tested products, and keep the laboratory clean, tidy, and well-maintained.
  • Specimen Management: Be responsible for biological specimen receipt, identification verification, processing, and storage.
  • Clerical Support: Performs a variety of clerical, processing, and other laboratory duties that include maintaining supply inventory, filing, stocking, receiving shipments, and cleaning.

16. Lab Assistant Essential Functions

  • Specimen Verification: Verify specimens’ integrity and specimen requirements.
  • Accession Accuracy: Exercise attention to detail, judgment, and accuracy with accessioning procedures.
  • Customer Service: Outstanding customer service and maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.
  • Preanalytical Support: Perform assigned pre-analytical activities related to laboratory equipment and maintenance, inventory control, and supply stocking.
  • Team Collaboration: Work as a team member within the laboratory department and with all other Polyclinic departments.
  • Call Handling: Take multiple phone calls and find answers to all calls, calmly and pleasantly.
  • Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and problem-solve with attention to detail.
  • Specimen Processing: Process and prepare specimens for in-house testing.
  • Referral Preparation: Process and prepare specimens for sending out for testing to outside reference labs.

17. Lab Assistant Role Purpose

  • Lab Organization: Take ownership of the organization and cleanliness of Generac Clean Energy's electrical and mechanical laboratories.
  • Asset Management: Ensure tools, instruments, components, test fixtures, and other assets are carefully tracked, properly stored, and appropriately maintained.
  • Test Support: Support technicians and engineers in the construction of test environments
  • Cell Reset: Reset and restock test cells between tests.
  • Policy Communication: Effectively communicate with peers to enforce department policies and procedures
  • Safety Leadership: Champion safety by identifying and mitigating workplace hazards
  • Resource Coordination: Work closely with management to coordinate and track the allocation of laboratory resources
  • Inventory Management: Maintain and organize R&D product inventory and component inventory
  • Supply Stocking: Ensure disposable supplies are stocked and readily available
  • Waste Disposal: Ensure proper disposal of laboratory waste, electronic, and otherwise.

18. Lab Assistant General Responsibilities

  • Test Setup: Builds and/or adapts basic setup and test equipment for the performance of tests
  • Standardized Testing: Performs standardized tests using general laboratory equipment
  • Equipment Care: Performs routine care of designated test equipment and work area
  • Computer Operation: Operates a computer terminal to extract/input readily available information and to use available software.
  • Result Interpretation: Reads and interprets results of tests
  • Report Preparation: Prepares charts, graphs, and reports to explain test results
  • Sample Examination: Examines test samples, reads measuring instruments, and reviews test data with the supervisor
  • Blueprint Reading: Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, and operational instructions.
  • Equipment Operation: Operates designated testing equipment.
  • Data Reporting: Receives instructions from and reports data to section heads, group leaders, engineers, and other laboratory technician staff
  • Data Recording: Records observed or calculated data on appropriate data sheets.
  • Process Improvement: Helps integrate continuous improvement concepts and techniques for the lab site.

19. Lab Assistant Key Accountabilities

  • Culture Support: Assist in duties including, but not limited to, routine feeding of cell cultures, help perform basic wet lab protocols, and spreadsheet organization, preparation of stock solutions.
  • Record Maintenance: Assists in maintaining laboratory and laboratory equipment record-keeping.
  • Supervisor Reporting: Report to Lab Supervisor or Research Associate III.
  • Research Participation: Participate in research studies and perform basic lab techniques under the guidance of the PI.
  • Animal Techniques: Perform various techniques with animals (injections, tagging, euthanasia) and tissue dissections.
  • Buffer Preparation: Preparation of communal buffers and aliquoting of R&D reagents
  • Equipment Monitoring: Take part in the routine lab equipment monitoring and maintenance
  • Consumable Support: Support lab consumables reception, storage allocation, and inventory checks
  • Waste Management: Assist with the lab waste segregation and disposal procedures
  • Cold Storage Care: Take part in the fridge/freezer cleaning and defrosting program
  • Quality Adherence: Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies and support the instrument
  • Calibration Support: Procedural calibrations and maintenance performed
  • Data Entry: Enter and review data on the computerized laboratory information system
  • Lab Cleaning: Performs lab cleaning, including surface decontamination, equipment decontamination, and washing glassware.
  • Equipment Organization: Stores and properly organizes lab equipment.
  • Inventory Maintenance: Keeps the lab’s raw material inventory at appropriate levels.

20. Lab Assistant Roles and Details

  • Experiment Preparation: Prepare lab equipment for upcoming research experiments
  • Data Reporting: Report data and compile information into graphs and documents
  • Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain lab equipment
  • Test Execution: Use testing items and subjects to gather results
  • Data Gathering: Gather data and information from test subjects
  • Test Monitoring: Monitor ongoing tests and experiments, noting any differences
  • Project Support: Provide basic support for lab projects by maintaining lab facilities, including cleaning/sterilization of lab equipment
  • Glassware Handling: Wash and dry glassware and distribute to the appropriate locations
  • Glassware Sterilization: Sterilize glassware and other items using an autoclave
  • Supply Replenishment: Replenish laboratory supplies, such as glassware, liquid nitrogen, and slides
  • Instrument Operation: Work on Analytical Instrumentation, including UPLC and GC.
  • Routine Analysis: Perform both routine and non-routine analysis.
  • Protocol Writing: Conduct investigations, writing methods, and protocols.
  • Slide Preparation: Preparation of slides for cytological evaluation using T2000 instrumentation
  • Slide Processing: Stain/coverslip and other related duties using printers/scanners and LCA LIS software
  • Specimen Forwarding: Forwards accessioned specimens to designated laboratory locations, and locates and corrects any discrepancies
Relevant Information
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