Laboratory Assistant

Job Summary / Purpose:

Works primarily in the lab specimen processing/intake department of the lab. Assist with specimen management and clerical duties as requested. May perform blood collection and specimen processing. If allowed by local/state regulations, may perform waived or mod complex testing, if appropriate for the department organization.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities:

• Practices positive patient identification at all times, in all job functions.
• Practices HumanKindness and courtesy with all patient and co-worker interactions. Establishes and maintains good communication within the department and with other hospital departments.
• Takes responsibility for the department workflow, assists all members of the team to maintain department workflow and efficiency. Creates an atmosphere by manner, work and deed that fosters teamwork and collaboration.
• Processes specimen into the lab, organized for department distribution. Moves processed samples quickly to laboratory departments for testing.
• Handles Laboratory Send-out testing. Processes, organizes, packing lists and packaging for testing sent to external laboratories according to procedures.
• Uses good judgment when problem solving and requests help when needed.
• May perform phlebotomy. Follows blood collection procedures, performs venous and capillary punctures on all age groups of inpatient and outpatient populations, including blood bank collections. Utilizes appropriate collection techniques to obtain quality samples and adheres to appropriate volume requirements.
• May assist with phlebotomy training under the direction of the supervisor and/or coordinator.
• As allowed by local and state regulations, may perform CLIA waived and moderately complex laboratory testing following written technical policies and procedures. Evaluates and releases test results under the direction of a Clinical Lab Scientist. Evaluates result validity considering quality control results, instrument performance, specimen integrity and prior patient results.
• Performs routine maintenance on lab equipment and maintains records as trained.
• Monitors department supply inventory and assists in stocking, completes reagent logs.