Hospital Lab Technician 1 - Per Diem

Overview The Clinical Laboratory at Zuckerberg San Francisco General provides laboratory testing services for inpatients and outpatients of ZSFG, Laguna Honda Hospital, District Health Centers, and other facilities under the SF Public Health Department. The primary responsibility of this position is pre‑analytical laboratory testing procedures. Additional responsibilities include: answering telephone inquiries for laboratory results, including critical results and laboratory‑related questions, and instructing patients and healthcare providers for specimen collecting; outpatient laboratory registration; Phlebotomy. The laboratory services described below are expected to be performed efficiently and accurately, and all University, ZSFG, and departmental policies are strictly adhered to. Errors in these laboratory services can be dangerous to patients and could be highly disruptive to the patient, the individuals caring for the patient, and the laboratory staff. This position performs all duties in a manner that denotes the team concept and reflects the UCSF and ZSFG mission, vision, and values. The Hospital Lab Technician1 is required to follow all health and safety precautions and procedures as mandated by regulatory agencies and comply with all UC, ZSFG, and Clinical Laboratory policies. For questions, please send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Responsibilities Pre‑Analytical and Analytical Prepare specimen for Chemistry, Hematology, or Serology testing. Handle blood, urine, stool, and other body fluids. Enter patient data and test requests into the laboratory information system. Clarify test requests by contacting the physician/unit/clinic. Handle all specimens in accordance with infection control guidelines and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Prioritize specimens based on delivery method, priority or stability requirements. Timestamp requisitions and review tests requested. Ensure each specimen is labeled properly and requisition is complete. Know tube and volume requirements for most ordered tests and special handling requirements. Use the Clinical Lab Processing Guide as a resource. Resolve problems/discrepancies or notify a supervisor. Complete data entry and process all STAT and routine specimens within turnaround time standard. Minimize data entry errors by verifying all typed data. Centrifuge, aliquot, and label specimens accurately. Deliver specimens to the appropriate testing area. Follow procedures for preparing and sending specimens out to reference labs. Perform the computer registration process. Ensure requisition data is complete and contact clinic or physician for missing/unclear information. Communicate with a supervisor and engineering when issues with the pneumatic tube system arise. Maintain continuous flow of specimens for aliquoting by organizing workload efficiently. Package specimen for sending out to the Referral Laboratory if assigned to that rotation or when a send‑out person is not available. Monitor and complete add‑on requests. Customer Service / Inquiry / Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection Use a multi‑line telephone system to answer and transfer incoming calls into the laboratory, connecting callers to appropriate areas. Answer questions and communicate information from the Clinical Lab Processing Guide. Telephones healthcare providers to report specimen problems and critical patient results. File patient requisitions for scanning. Provide specimen containers and give instructions for the collection of random urine, clean catch urine, 24‑hour urine collections, and stool specimens. Consult with supervisor concerning esoteric testing. Properly identify patient by checking ID card/wrist band to ensure correct match of patient with requisition/lab labels. Verify patient’s name and birth date to confirm identification. Know tube and volume requirements and proper specimen labeling. Use established blood draw techniques, including venipuncture site identification, preparation, and post‑venipuncture care. Administer a glucose drink for glucose tolerance or post‑loading tests, determine collection times, and properly collect/store sequential blood draws. Use safety collection devices. Adhere to ZSFG Infection Control policy regarding health and safety requirements. Receive and document specimens for laboratory testing, ensuring proper transport and routing. Inventory phlebotomy station. Automation / Instrument Operate the instrument and manage workflow efficiently, including prioritizing and sorting samples and assessing sample integrity. Troubleshoot and address workflow issues promptly. Perform emergency, routine, and scheduled preventive instrument maintenance. Troubleshoot instrument issues with minimal or no assistance from the service technical team. Document and communicate all instrument issues and corrective actions promptly. Use appropriate documentation and logs specific to issue/communication/QA activity. Appropriately elevate issues to CLS, specialists, and/or department supervisor. Inventory and replenish on‑board instrument reagents and supplies. Review and add tests appropriately, promptly, manually, or using LIS tools and capabilities. Operations Successfully complete all assigned training. Read, comprehend, and keep pace with new policies and procedures. Refer questions beyond policies to senior team members or specialists. Manage workflow to meet turnaround‑time standards, notifying when delays are expected. Respond to inquiries regarding sample requirements with minimal assistance. Follow up promptly on issues. Assist co‑workers to meet team and departmental goals. Assist with specimen retrieval for residents and other divisions. Assist division managers and supervisors with specimen, tube type, stability, test availability, turnaround times, and send‑out tests queries. Assist researchers with test availability and required specimens queries. Assist in data entry and file creation; demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Zoom, and statistical software. Coordinate orderly storage of department documents. Lift, push, pull containers, reagents, parts, boxes, supplies up to 60 lbs as needed. Maintenance, Safety, and QA Perform all quality assurance tasks as directed. Document and communicate all QA issues and corrective actions promptly. Maintain and submit laboratory, institution, and state requirements on time. Maintain a clean, safe, and neat work area. Participate in quality assurance activities to meet laboratory standards. Assist in follow‑up and investigation of problem specimens and computer issues. Participate in performance improvement and patient safety projects. Answer questions related to role, tasks, and required working knowledge. Team Goals and Projects Participate in training of new employees on instrument operations, workflows, and procedures. Participate in huddles, meetings, and projects as requested. Assist in instrument validation experiments, other testing assays, and QA processes. Assist specialists and supervisors with projects as needed. May assist in ordering tests, calling critical results, and/or processing samples when needed. Core Lab Instrumentation and Maintenance Perform basic operations of the APTIO automation line, including loading specimens and retrieving tubes. Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of the automation line. Check the outstanding log. Help troubleshoot and escalating automation line issues to HLT2 or CLS. Data Management Assist in data collection, handling, and processing. Process data derived from normal computer operations. Assist in collection of statistical data as directed. Use LIS and approved software appropriately and efficiently. Comply with all regulatory and institutional policies on data access, security, and privacy. Information Systems Downtime Follow Lab Information Downtime procedures. Forward specimens with appropriate bar code labels to proper testing sections. Other Duties Maintain a clean and organized work area. Assist in maintaining supplies, calculating statistics, and performing clerical duties as needed. Required Qualifications Blood drawing experience. Knowledge of medical/clinical laboratory terminology. Ability to communicate clearly in the English language, both verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to be a team player. Strong personal computer and typing skills. Graduation from college with a major in an applicable natural science, plus one year of experience in the related work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Qualifications B.S. degree in biology or chemistry. One year of appropriate clinical laboratory experience. Required Licenses and/or Certifications California Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT 1). #J-18808-Ljbffr