Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant I

The Laboratory Assistant I performs specific pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prioritizes incoming specimens and processes in accordance with the department safety guidelines. Reviews pending log during and at end of shift.
• Reviews orders received for accuracy of physician request and integrity of specimen collected. Generates labels and attaches them accurately to specimen/ blood samples always reviewing name on specimen with order or reprint.
• Distributes all specimens in a timely manner, notifying the performing technologist of any STAT, orders and processing them to achieve or exceed the established turn-around times. Resolves any processing conflicts with orders, notifying unit of any necessary re-draws and arranging for re-collection.
• Prioritizes workload to assure priority of testing request is met. Do microbiology setups when assigned to work the second or third shifts.
• Answers phone in specimen processing, relaying messages to the technologists or answering questions regarding status of testing.
• Output meets normals as met by majority of peers. Performs all required quality control, notifying supervisor of any values that do not meet set criteria.
• Demonstrates appropriate skills and ability based on scope of practice, level of training to assess and care for patients age specific needs. Collects chain of custody drug screens. Follows all guidelines for glucose tolerance testing including appropriate patient glucose dosage for test ordered.
• Researches orders for reference work, comparing with order to assure correct test was ordered. Reviews each specimen for proper type, volume required and storage requirements and processing and accessions accordingly. Inventories reference laboratory supplies and contacts the purchaser as needed for re-order and maintains adequate stock at work stations. Daily, reviews pending reference test list and resolves any problems with overdue or missing specimens.
• Generates batches for specimen pickup and reviews and receives batches from Outreach Laboratory. Maintains a neat and clean work area: stocks storage area with supplies and inventories and rotates stock as necessary to minimize wastage. Cleans equipment, and small instruments and documents this action. Receives orders from the storeroom and distributes to the various areas. Cleans outpatient contact areas. Cleans phlebotomy carts and trays routinely and ensures expired supplies are discarded.
• Prioritizes workload to assure priority of testing request is met. Collects adequate and correct specimens containing all necessary information with least amount of trauma to patients of varied ages via venipuncture, capillary puncture or arterial collections. Always follows protocol for collection (checking wrist band, asking patients name, verifying date of birth. Specimens collected accurately using correct order of draw and timely within stated guidelines. Is aware of collection volume limitations for pediatric patients.
• Reviews pending log during and at end of shift. Reviews all Out-patient orders for completeness and accuracy and files completed orders in appropriate location. Blood culture contamination rate less than 3%. Enters all specimen comments as needed. Uses good Safety Practices and follows hand hygiene protocols.
• Demonstrates appropriate skills and ability based on scope of practice, level of training to assess and care for patients age specific needs by providing proper instructions to patients for urine collection and diet restrictions.
• Always strives to treat patients and co-workers with dignity and respect.

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Work Experience

• One year experience as a phlebotomist or as lab assistant preferred.

Certification/License

• None required, PBT (ASCP) preferred.

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Close mental and visual attention required for short periods of time. 50% of time spent standing and walking throughout department and facility. Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions

• Constant exposure to infectious material. Works in air-conditioned environment with moderate noise level. May be required to work any time of day.