Lab Assistant 1

About the Role

We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart. Our values include Trust, Respect, Integrity, and Compassion. Service goals focus on personal connection, keeping everyone informed, and being on their team.

Responsibilities

• Performs specimen collection, processing, accessioning, and related duties to ensure laboratory efficiency and accuracy of test results:
  • Accessioning laboratory test requests, verifying work for accuracy and resolving problem orders.
  • Processing and handling specimens, routing them to various laboratory sections.
  • Operating the laboratory information system to prepare draw lists, specimen labels, reports, and worksheets.
  • Determining priority of testing and processing specimens accordingly.
  • Obtaining and verifying patient information for laboratory records and billing.
  • Verifying requisition information and acquiring appropriate authorization.
  • Performing venipuncture, arterial, and capillary collections.
  • Obtaining non-blood specimens and verifying specimen integrity.
  • Accurately identifying patients and specimens per prescribed procedures.
  • Preparing specimens and supplies for transport, following shipping regulations.
  • Identifying and documenting procedural variations as part of the laboratory quality plan.
  • Communicating with care providers regarding delays or complications in specimen collection.
  • Adhering to established QA/QC policies and procedures.
• Provides general office support in the laboratory:
  • Using resources to answer questions from clinical staff regarding lab procedures and specimen requirements.
  • Assisting internal and external customers with questions, concerns, and problems.
  • Answering telephones and responding to requests for specimen pick-up, courier dispatch, reports, and test orders.
  • Transporting or delivering specimens, reports, and supplies; may act as a courier.
  • Maintaining laboratory cleanliness, handling spills with attention to body fluid precautions, and disposing of contaminated waste per OSHA guidelines.
• Maintains personal competence and contributes to departmental effectiveness:
  • Maintaining records, reports, and files as required.
  • Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as assigned.
• Organizational responsibilities:
  • Attending and participating in department meetings, accountable for shared information.
  • Completing mandatory education, annual competencies, and department-specific education within established timeframes.
  • Maintaining license/certification/registration in good standing.
  • Direct patient care providers must maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other required certifications.
  • Utilizing appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques.
  • Adhering to regulatory agency requirements, survey processes, and compliance.
  • Complying with established organizational and department policies.
  • Available to work overtime, additional shifts, or varied schedules as required.
• Hazardous Chemical Waste Management (as assigned):
  • Proper identification of hazardous materials in the workplace.
  • Knowledge of personal protection measures and accident avoidance.
  • Understanding hazardous waste characteristics, volume generation limits, accumulation limits, spill control, and record-keeping.
  • Proper handling, container management, labeling, and storage inspection.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, quality-focused, multi-priority environment with frequent deadlines and stressful situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) to maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, employees, and the public.
• Good organizational skills and ability to work effectively with general supervision.
• Proficient computer skills to complete work accurately and efficiently.
• Attention to detail.
• Effective telephone usage skills for accurate information processing.

Physical Demands

• Speech clarity and effective use of fingers and hands.
• Ability to stand, sit, and handle objects for extended periods.
• Moderate physical effort (lifting up to 30 pounds).
• Compliance with applicable safety procedures.
• Vision requirements:
  • Far acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more.
  • Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.
  • Depth perception: ability to judge distance and space relationships.
  • Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify different colors.

Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens.
• Regular exposure to the risk of blood-borne diseases; must comply with applicable safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year of patient care, customer service, general office/clerical, or related experience preferred.
• Completion of a phlebotomy training program or equivalent experience preferred.