Phlebotomist - Laboratory

Overview

Perform venipunctures and skin punctures competently and expediently from patients of all ages; enters or retrieves test orders in the laboratory information system; instructs patients on how to properly collect urine and other specimens; processes specimens for testing in-house and for reference lab testing. Other responsibilities include phone calls, result query, printing/faxing, and assist with other laboratory related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Phlebotomy

• Understands process to identify test requirements.
• Uses laboratory information system for test ordering.
• Verifies information and tests ordered via the information system against requisitions, and clarifies questions with provider's offices or nursing departments when necessary.
• Has working knowledge of standing order process.
• Adjusts approach to patients and families in accordance with age group.
• Consistently draws blood competently and expediently with as little patient discomfort as possible.
• Maintains knowledge of specific specimen requirements, and follows the correct order of draw based on tube type and special handling of tests. Utilizes proper resources for obtaining specimen requirement information.
• Is able to obtain blood samples from patients of all ages whether outpatient or inpatient.
• Supports and reassures patients during procedures.
• Follows lab procedure for patient identification and labels samples accurately.
• Uses a combination of verbal communication with inpatients along with the mobile laboratory information system barcode device, to retrieve orders and print labels at the patient bedside, ensures positive patient identification.
• Prioritizes STAT orders, scheduled orders, and outpatients.
• Accurately and expediently processes specimens delivered to the lab.
• Assists in training new phlebotomists/aides, as assigned by Supervisor or Director.

Lab Aide

• Assists Medical Technologists as necessary.
• Knows how to print patient demographic sheets to send to reference lab when required.
• Processes specimens for reference labs.
• Understands the different tubes and labeling requirements for each reference lab.
• Knows how to complete paperwork for each reference lab.
• Knows how to determine specimen requirements for tests sent to each reference lab.
• Bags and stores specimens at appropriate temperatures for reference lab tests.
• Has specimens ready for courier pickup at scheduled times.
• Maintains training for IATA Specimen packaging and shipping.

Clerical / Administrative

• Completes and processes a variety of forms. Obtains pre-authorizations and patient signatures.
• Answers phone calls professionally and politely.
• Knows how to place calls on hold and transfer calls as necessary.
• Understands when to answer questions and when to refer callers to a technologist or supervisor.
• Uses laboratory information system for result query and report printing.
• Knows how to use the hospital information system to fax results.
• Ensures blood drawing stations are clean and well stocked.
• Understands which patient services are to be charged venipuncture charge.
• Reviews requisitions for order entry accuracy, following established protocol.

Safety, Quality Control & Compliance

• Adheres to current documentation standards and policies.
• Releases results only to authorized individuals.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Follows standard precautions at all times.
• Discards sharps into a rigid sharps container.
• Uses personal protective equipment appropriately and when needed.

Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• 12-18 months medical/technical experience desired.
• Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certificate preferred; (ASCP preferred)
• BLS Certification (obtained within 3 months of hire.)
• Prior phlebotomy experience or completion of approved phlebotomy program required
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and manage changing volumes.
• Strong computer ability desired.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Proven experience working with the public.
• applicant must be honest, dependable, able to multi-task, and be detail oriented.