Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant

Description

Under the direct supervision of the Laboratory manager, the phlebotomist/lab assistant obtains and prepares specimens for analysis and performs various screening tests. The lab assistant reports to the laboratory manager and maintains a cooperative working relationship with patients, patients' families, medical staff, interdepartmental and intradepartmental personnel.

Essential Functions:

1. Obtains blood specimens and collects non-blood specimens such as urine, sputum, stool, and throat swabs for laboratory testing.
2. 1. Check the test requisition of computer label for correctness and completeness prior to collecting samples. Brings discrepancies to the attention of unit personnel for correction.
   2. Verifies positive patient identification.
   3. Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks using the aseptic technique and in accordance with department procedures. Observes hospital isolation procedures.
   4. Ensures that specimen requirements are met at the time of collection and maintains specimen integrity.
   5. Coordinates the collection of therapeutic drug-monitoring assays with nursing personnel to ensure the proper drug dose to collection time.
   6. Coordinates special laboratory studies with ambulatory services and pharmacy, administers oral test solutions.
   7. Initials, dates, and times all collections. Performs log in of specimens.
3. Performs screening tests and reports results.
4. 1. Performs POC INR, completes INR log and enters results into the computer.
   2. Performs bleeding times and reports results into the computer.
   3. Performs quality control tests according to the department procedure and testing schedule. Records the results in the quality control log, initials and dates the log.
5. Accessions and processes specimens to prepare them for laboratory testing.
6. 1. Logs in testing to the system if necessary and enters test results. Labels specimens with computer labels.
   2. Verifies specimens integrity and adheres to established procedures for rejection of unacceptable specimens.
   3. Measures the total volume of all 24-hour urine specimens and records appropriately, prepares aliquots for reference laboratory testing.
   4. Answers telephone calls, read laboratory results to satisfy inquiries; records requests for blood collections, answers general questions concerning test orders and collection, and takes messages or routes calls as needed.
7. Prepares specimens for reference laboratory dispatch and testing.
8. 1. Prepares test order forms and records entries in the reference laboratory log.
   2. Prepares specimen aliquots for dispatch according to specimen requirements.
   3. Resolves ambiguous and/or unusual test orders by contacting the provider of the order, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory. Refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification before collecting samples or processing specimens. Makes the supervisor aware of unresolved orders.
   4. Runs the computer work list to ensure that all orders have been processed.
9. Contributes to the general laboratory functions and institutional needs.
10. 1. Attends department staff meetings and in-service training.
    2. Maintains compliance with laboratory and hospital policies and procedures, as well as safety practices.
    3. Keeps the work area neat and clean and restocks daily supplies.
    4. Puts away supplies when shipments come in.

Additional Responsibilities

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.
2. May be assigned to assist in training phlebotomy students.
3. May be assigned to various clinical areas to assist with specimen processing and testing procedures.

Requirements

1. High school education or the equivalent.
2. Must completed a phlebotomy course and attended the phlebotomy clinical of 100 hours/100 sticks or have previous phlebotomy experience
3. Phlebotomy certification preferred, not required.
4. Must satisfactorily complete on-the-job training provided by the laboratory manager and staff with a probationary period, unless extension is granted by the laboratory manager.
5. Good communication skills.
6. Ability to move 30 to 40 pounds, to stock supplies and move or support patients.
7. Knowledge of medical terminology and certification of CPR preferred.