Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Position Summary:

Performs a variety of functions in central processing, laboratory office and clinical areas including phlebotomy, patient registration, specimen receipt and processing, order entry, telephone inquiries and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Phlebotomy

• Register patients as required

• Order appropriate laboratory testing as requested by providers

• Receive specimens individually or by batch into the LIS

• Batch specimens to secondary locations as required

• Process specimens for both in-house and reference laboratory testing according to testing requirements

• Ensure specimens are collected, stored and processed according to testing requirements

• Cancel and request new samples when integrity is compromised

• Deliver specimens to appropriate area of the laboratory to ensure testing is performed in a timely manner

• Load specimens onto the laboratory track system as required, ensuring sample integrity throughout the process

• Perform add-on testing as requested ensuring appropriate specimen requirements are followed

• Ensure patient/specimen identity by confirmation of two identifiers throughout all steps of collection, aliquoting and processing of specimens

• Demonstrate knowledge of specimen priorities and the ability to prioritize appropriately

• Clarify all unclear orders prior to collection or processing

• Answer telephone according to Laboratory policy, take and relay messages accurately to the appropriate person

• Assist callers with questions or direct them to appropriate resource

• Fax patient results according to laboratory policy

• Provide excellent customer service to patients, physicians and other healthcare providers

• Effectively communicate information and instructions regarding tests and specimen collection to patients and/or family members, physicians, other healthcare providers in a respectful manner

• Communicate issues or significant events to both management and incoming shifts

• Follow up on events with patients and/or healthcare providers and document appropriately

High School Education or equivalent required. Lab Assistant, Phlebotomy (ASCP) or Medical Assistant certification preferred but not required.