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Basics of Medical Assistant Lab Work

Medical Assistant Works In LabHow do you imagine using your medical assistant training from Prism Career Institute? For many, a day on the job might involve helping doctors and nurses provide patient care or working directly with patients to process insurance claims and schedule appointments. But if you enjoy science and the idea of working behind the scenes, medical lab work could be the perfect role for you. Here’s what you can expect if you pursue work in a medical lab.

What kind of labs do medical assistants work in?

Medical assistants have a great deal of flexibility in where they can work, and lab work is no exception. Most hospitals maintain an internal lab, and larger medical group practices often have the resources to do the same. This eliminates the need for patients to travel elsewhere when testing is required. You’ll also find job opportunities at independent labs, sometimes called reference labs. These laboratories provide medical testing for smaller practices and any healthcare facility that does not operate an internal lab.

What kind of medical lab work can medical assistants do?

The lab work done by medical assistants is every bit as diverse as the locations where they work. Medical assistants are often responsible for collecting samples for testing, including blood, urine, stool, tissue, and other bodily fluids. This may include phlebotomy work or drawing blood for testing. After samples have been collected, they must be carefully prepared by the lab’s standards. This ensures the accuracy required to allow doctors to make informed diagnosis and treatment decisions based on the results of testing.

Medical assistants can also perform testing, depending on the analysis that must be completed and the lab’s protocols. This can require the use of a variety of scientific equipment, such as microscopes, centrifuges, chemical analysis tools, and more. Your work will be extremely important, as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers will rely on the tests you perform to deliver the best care possible to their patients.

What else do medical assistants do in labs?

Just as in a practice or clinic, medical assistants can take on administrative duties in labs. This may include working with patients to schedule testing and conveying critical pre-testing instructions, such as restrictions on eating, drinking, and other daily activities. Medical assistants can also coordinate with the parties requesting lab work, such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, and more to ensure the correct tests are performed, and results are received in a timely fashion. Finally, you may also assist in billing and processing insurance claims to ensure timely payment and that patients receive accurate statements.

Earn Your Medical Assistant Degree Today

Whether you can’t wait to work directly with patients or are excited to learn more about the inner workings of medical labs, a medical assistant degree from Prism Career Institute opens several exciting doors in the healthcare field. Contact us today to learn more about our programs in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. With a mix of hands-on training and classroom instruction, you’ll receive the education needed to grow your career.