Coord, Lab Support

Laboratory Specimen Processing Supervisor

Supervises and coordinates daily activities of staff that registers, collects, and processes laboratory specimens for in-house or referral testing. Maintains supplies and equipment.

Monitors operation and productivity, prepares work schedules, trains new staff and students, maintains competencies, and oversees computer functions.

Prepares monthly quality/safety management reports and submits information for regulatory audits. Acts as a liaison to other healthcare departments for problem resolution.

Projects a professional image through formal and informal communication to internal and external customers; communicates directly with patients, providers, and clients to resolve customer service issues.

Performs other related duties as required. Orders and maintains an adequate inventory of commonly used supplies to ensure immediate availability; checks the expiration dates of stored items to ensure that the dates are not expired and takes appropriate action to remove any outdated item.

Evaluates new products as available and initiates implementation procedures as appropriate. Ensures preventive maintenance procedures are completed and documented per regulatory guidelines.

Provides supervision and instruction to staff; documents performance issues and takes immediate corrective action as appropriate; makes recommendations to supervisor concerning staff performance evaluations and disciplinary issues which may require formal action. Participates in interviews. Makes daily assignments and assists in preparing weekly and monthly schedules.

Authorizes use of additional staff per established guidelines. Monitors and directs workflow. Initiates incident reports and immediately forwards the information to the proper administrator for completion.

Coordinates the ordering and/or processing of patient specimens ensuring that each is properly collected, labeled and transported to maintain the integrity of each specimen.

Investigates and resolves problems and documents for monthly quality management reports. Follows up and resolves customer service complaints and documents appropriately. Initiates steps to prevent reoccurrence of errors or poor service.

Works with supervisor to formulate plan for development. Attends educational in-services and development. Attends educational in-services and training classes for various computer systems as necessary.

Is proficient in computer programs necessary to track and document work related data. Maintains up-to-date records pertaining to daily collection logs and billing reports and takes action to resolve any pending work.

Oversees computer operations insuring the accuracy entry of data pertaining to test requests, specimen collection and related patient charges or credits. Instructs staff in computer systems and takes action to correct any problems. Documents outstanding issues and reports on resolution.

Practices universal precautions, barrier protection methods, infection control and isolation procedures to ensure a safe work environment. Instructs and monitors staff adherence to safety guidelines.

Documents safety issues on monthly quality management reports. Responds to telephone inquiries from medical staff concerning status of patient testing.

Serves as liaison between the laboratory and medical and nursing staff regarding ordering, collection and processing of patient specimens. Actively participates in departmental staff meetings; documents the proceedings and provides suggestions for improvement.

Assists in departmental orientation, training and in-service programs for staff and students. Supervises and instructs staff responsible for the registration, collection and receipt of blood and non blood specimens.

Reviews test requisitions and specimen labels for accurate information and orders tests appropriately; follows up on all tests with incomplete information or questionable test orders.

Schedules and arrives lab appointments. Verifies and updates insurance information and triages specimens to the proper testing facility. Obtains waivers for Medicare coverage when applicable.

Distributes patient labels for collection of in house specimens and processes all emergency orders (STATS) within the required time frame. Preserves the integrity of each sample prior to distributing them to the appropriate department.

Processes and prepares referral specimens for shipping to reference laboratories. Reconciles outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures. Initiates intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed.

Participates and documents quality improvement activities as it relates to registration procedures, wait times, phlebotomy, processing and the transportation of specimens.

Minimum Qualifications:

A high school diploma or equivalent.

Four years of related laboratory or phlebotomy processing experience preferred or lead experience. Phlebotomy certificate preferred if applicable.

Physical Requirements (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Environmental Factors: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.