Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Position Highlights:

• Full-Time, 36 hours/week
• Weekend Days: Friday-Sunday, 05:00am-05:30pm
• Wilkes Medical Center

Essential Functions:

• Collects and/or processes patient blood obtained by venipuncture and/or capillary puncture timely and accurate.
• Processes nonblood patient specimens in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Assists in specimen preparation, receipt, and transport of patient specimens.
• Performs patient registration.
• Provides phone support for patient care areas in a polite and supportive manner.
• Maintains competency with hospital and laboratory information systems as needed to perform job duties.
• Trains new team members and/or students in the department including any standard work processes applicable to the work area.
• Receives lab orders from providers, prepares necessary documentation, and performs all routine laboratory tests.
• Maintains necessary documentation for all tests according to standards and labeling all specimens following set standards. Maintains knowledge of specimen collection devices and tubes.
• Maintains equipment, keeps area clean, stocks supplies and keeps work space organized.
• Practices sterile technique and prevents cross contamination. Handles blood and body fluids and deals with infectious patients.
• Performs minor laboratory procedures accurately, precisely, and efficiently under minimal supervision including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and immunology.
• Perform phlebotomy through venous and capillary puncture following established procedures in accordance with age specific considerations of patients. Observes strict principles of antisepsis to prevent infection of patient and contamination of specimens.
• Receives and collects urine specimens to perform all routine tests.
• Performs specimen preparation for all procedures/tests.
• Maintains supplies inventory communicating needs to supervisor.
• Reports varying in-house test results in addition to all abnormal findings to clinical staff.
• Complies with all policies and OSHA regulations related to safety, cleanliness, and infection control. Practices sterile technique and prevents cross contamination. Handles blood and body fluids and deals with infectious patients.
• Follows general safety procedures and utilizes PPE appropriately.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certification in phlebotomy preferred for facilities where phlebotomy is an assigned duty.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques to perform minor laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing to operate, clean, and sterilize.
• Knowledge of appropriate medical terminology to communicate with staff.
• Knowledge of computer systems and applications.
• Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures and protocols.
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and universal precautions to establish a safe work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Works in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Works in an area that contains biohazardous (infectious) materials along with chemical, fire, and mechanical hazards.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, sharp instruments, fumes, ionizing radiation, hazardous materials.
• Duties may involve standing, walking, stretching, stooping, bending, and lifting light (20 pound) to moderately heavy (50 pound) loads.
• Some latex exposure may be expected.
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times while working with patient specimens.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.