Laboratory Assistant (BMG)

Reports to the Laboratory Manager or Coordinator (BMG). Ensures that lab requisitions are appropriately completed and authorized and obtains pertinent patient information for laboratory records and/or billing purposes. Performs general office/clerical responsibilities.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Performs laboratory functions and related duties necessary to ensure the efficiency of the laboratory operations and accuracy of test results by:

• Maintaining daily patient log and entering test results on forms. Distributing reports to physicians' offices, as required.
• Maintaining file of standing lab and future lab orders for patients.
• Maintaining laboratory orders and test results for two years.
• Receiving and collecting specimens for laboratory testing, including drawing blood, collecting urine and other body materials and fluids from patients.
• Performing EKGs, spirometry, audiometry, breath alcohol testing, and maintaining logs.
• Performing other lab analyses which require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training, or experience and technical abilities, as authorized by the laboratory director.
• Writing lab charge on billing ticket and checking for associated diagnosis for billing purposes.
• Keeping quality control and maintenance records up-to-date, adhering to the laboratory's quality control policies, and documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed commensurate with education, training, and job expectations.
• Maintaining records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.
• Documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Maintaining cleanliness of laboratory, cleaning spills with special attention to body fluid precautions and contaminated waste disposal per OSHA guidelines.

Provides general office support in the Laboratory by

• Receiving and greeting all patients and visitors in a professional manner and providing all reasonable assistance.
• Receiving telephone calls, taking and relaying messages accurately.
• Obtaining information from the patient to accurately complete the patient record for payment information.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Completing other job-related duties as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of high school diploma (with courses in mathematics and some biological sciences preferred). Minimum of one year of patient care, customer service, general office/clerical or related experience is preferred. Completion of a phlebotomy training program or experience preferred. Qualifies as testing personnel for moderate complexity testing as defined in CFR.493.1423.

Knowledge & Skills

• Requires knowledge of medical terminology, basic lab knowledge, ability to perform phlebotomy, and routine lab testing.
• Requires proficient typing and computer skills, and basic knowledge of billing and business office procedures.
• Demonstrates the communication and telephone skills necessary to greet patients and answer the telephone in a pleasant, clear, concise, and helpful manner.
• Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, other team members, and the public.

Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous substances, chemicals and other conditions common to a clinical laboratory.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position. Also requires visual acuity, normal color perception and full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.