JOB SUMMARY

The Laboratory Assistant reports to the Laboratory Director. Collects, accessions, requisitions and processes specimens for testing. Makes certain that orders are complete and authorized and contain patient information needed for billing purposes. Registers patient orders. Performs therapeutic phlebotomies. Performs general office/clerical responsibilities and phlebotomy. Maintain inventory supply. Option to perform Point of Care tests.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Good customer relation skills.
• Good communication/phone skills.
• Typing and computer skills required.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Knowledge of phlebotomy procedures and techniques.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Basic computer literacy
• Keyboarding
• Word processing
• Internet and email
• Registration based computer programs
• HIS/LIS knowledge
• Telephone/Fax/Copier/
• Scanner/Printer/ Calculator
• Phlebotomy equipment such as needles, adapters, syringes, etc.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform a variety of routine blood drawing procedures to include venipuncture, techniques using standard equipment to include vacutainer tubes, adapters, tourniquets, syringes and butterfly needles.
• Perform finger sticks and heel sticks as needed.
• Perform Therapeutic phlebotomy
• Knowledge timed, fasting, and stat specimens as related to specimen integrity and patient care.
• Able to obtain blood specimens from patients under a variety of patient conditions and ages.
• Skill in accurately recording information concerning specimens.
• Utilize standard procedures for the maintenance of positive patient identification; record appropriate collection information on proper requisitions or LIS.
• Ability to prioritize workload from various sources according to department policy.
• Knowledge of various types of tubes and additives used in blood collection and other collection kits of body fluids. Translate needs to patients for the different requirements.
• Confer with patient to obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears and elicit cooperation.
• Maintain inventory of supplies; reorder as required; stock supplies on carts, rooms and hand trays.
• Distribute blood to proper laboratory section after collection for testing.
• Patient/customer relations including meeting customer needs while complying with HIPAA regulations.
• Communication with nursing units concerning laboratory service issues.
• Review and secure a complete physician order for all laboratory testing.
• Accurately interprets physician order and keys LIS entry of said order.
• Accepts responsibility for accuracy and productivity of work.
• Accepts responsibility and accountability for delegated tasks.
• Assists in orientation of new employees.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for skills, performance, and behavior in accordance with hospital, laboratory and section policy and procedures.
• Demonstrates ability to multitask and prioritize work to meet needs within established timeframe while experiencing frequent interruptions.
• Promotes customer service/satisfaction.
• Demonstrates a willingness to perform cross functional duties to insure optimal utilization of departmental resources.
• Attends and participates in departmental staff meetings.
• Addresses conflict in a manner that supports team development.
• Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to meet department needs.
• Verbalizes a clear understanding of performance improvement measures and actively participates in performance improvement initiatives.
• Complies with all standards and safety precautions as mandated by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to work continuously with confidential information

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Registration process for HIS/LIS and patient billing.
• With training can perform Point of Care tests
• Audit orders for duplicates; combine orders to promote patient satisfaction
• Perform therapeutic phlebotomy
• Answers tube system and distributes contents to correct departments
• Answers telephone and forwards to correct department
• Assists with control of cost through judicious use of human and material resources.
• Presents a professional image.
• Other duties as assigned. .