Phlebotomist

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

This position is responsible for obtaining blood specimens by venipuncture and microcollection techniques from patients of all ages, in-house and out of house.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)

Collect blood specimen by venipuncture, fingerstick, or skin puncture by microtainer system.

• Correctly identify the patient and verify physician orders.
• Explain, instruct and reassure the patient or guardian (if a child) of collection procedure.
• Collect the specimen in accordance with standards and sterile technique and accurately label specimens to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
• Receive orders in the computer system and deliver to the appropriate department.
• Collect the specimen in accordance with standards and sterile technique and accurately label specimens and transport to the appropriate department daily.
• Collect specimen with minimal discomfort for the patient.

Receive and verify physician orders for all specimens dropped off in the laboratory.

• Properly identify and label all specimens upon receipt and make proper corrections to orders.
• Receive all specimens in the computer system and distribute the appropriate section for testing.
• Maintain all physician orders as required by law.

Perform PKU and Supplemental Neonatal Screening collections and heelstick for laboratory testing on infants.

• Properly identify the patient and ensure that the specimen is being collected at the proper time.
• Puncture heel using tenderfoot device or lancet using correct technique and procedure.
• Collect sample onto filter paper to aid early detection of various diseases.
• Receive in laboratory, allow to dry and prepare for mailing for state mandated testing as soon as possible.

Collect and/or provide instruction for the collection of culture specimens.

• Explain the collection and procedure to patient and check physician orders.
• Properly handle and label biohazardous specimen using proper collecting techniques to aid in accurate test results for diagnosis.
• Receive specimens in the computer system and deliver to Microbiology Department as soon as entered into the computer system.

Travel to off-site locations to perform specimen collection.

• Properly identify patient, verify physician orders and gather all proper patient information for registration.
• Prepare and process specimens for transportation using correct universal precautions and follow guidelines.
• Document the time the specimen is delivered to the laboratory, make copies, take information to the registration and distribute samples to laboratory as soon as it is entered into the computer system.

Cancel, add and delete physician orders and tests in the Laboratory computer system.

• Receive verbal telephone orders and/or messages from all locations, document the person placing the request and the time of the request and accurate information for deleting or adding orders per the physician’s request.
• Maintain knowledge of which system needs to be used and properly cancel, add or delete physician orders and tests from the appropriate system.

Wash all glassware and pipettes.

• Use proper cleaning procedures to eliminate all organic and chemical debris for further use in laboratory procedures daily.
• Check for any detergent residue by use of ph test strip and document the result on a log sheet. Allow equipment to dry in the oven and cool and then return to proper storage area daily.

Perform glucose challenge and glucose tolerance testing.

• Properly identify patient and verify physician orders.
• Administer varying oral dosages of Dextrol to the patient along with instructions. Continue monitoring the patient for any changes that would require medical attention or additional sampling.
• Collect blood and urine specimens throughout the testing. Label each specimen properly, receive the specimen into the computer and distribute to the appropriate department.
• Education/Training/License/Certification:

One year certification from college or technical school in a phlebotomy related field.

Phlebotomy ASCP Registration and/or Phlebotomy Training Certification is recommended.

• Work Experience:

Three to six months related experience and/or training.