LAB ASSISTANT

Position Summary

An employee in this position must be able to perform in the following areas:

• collection and proper handling of venous and capillary blood specimens for both in and out patients
• responsibility for the safety and comfort of customers
• clerical/computer duties
• courier responsibilities as required for the position

Customer Service and OP Collection

Customer service and OP collection is recognized as the first priority.

• Assures the registration process is handled in a professional manner with attention to accuracy, completeness, and efficiency.
• Gathers all demographic, medical and financial information from outpatients in a courteous and effective manner utilizing the HIS to record data.
• Transcribes medical orders and diagnosis accurately and in a timely manner, orders the appropriate laboratory tests as indicated for outpatients, lab contracts, and specimens.
• Follows-up on all verbal orders with requests for written orders.
• Answers the departmental telephones and transfers calls to proper laboratory/pathology section; follows through with problem resolution; assists physicians/staff in obtaining, faxing or telephone receipt of laboratory test results; and responsible for strict adherence to proper handling of confidential test results.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledgeable of manual systems for ordering, collection, verification, and charting in instances of computer failure.
• Properly processes, all specimens including accessioning; recognition of test priorities; centrifugation; separation/distribution of shared specimens; separation/processing, logging, tracking of specimens for transport to off-site reference labs; proper labeling of aliquots; special collection requirements; special storage/shipment instructions (i.e. ice, dry ice, ambient temps, refrigerate, etc.).
• Properly collects blood samples from venous and/or capillary (heel or finger) sites as required by facility.
• Proper use of the Hollister Ident-A-Band system for labeling Blood Bank specimens.
• Proper use of aseptic technique in the collection of blood culture specimens.
• Accurately labels all specimens.
• Strict adherence to proper identification of patients, by following current national patient safety goals.
• Strict adherence to proper disposal of needles/sharps, and used gloves during phlebotomy.
• Maintain clerical and phlebotomy work areas in a neat and sanitary manner.
• Responsible for the daily quality review of written physician’s orders to detect errors in test orders, diagnosis, physician’s name, insurance coverage, and documents problem resolution etc.
• File orders appropriately and manages filing system.
• Responsible for notification of Sr. Lab Assistant or Manager for timely correction of errors.
• Properly prints/sorts/faxes/charts inpatient Laboratory, Pathology, and Imaging reports, and mails or distributes outpatient reports as needed.

Performance Improvement Activities

Participates in Laboratory performance improvement activities.

Policies and Procedures

• Complies with Laboratory policies and procedures, including Exposure Control, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Disaster Plan, the Joint Commission standards, CLIA and State regulations.
• Attends General Laboratory meetings and section meetings as required.
• Responsible for review and sign-off on communication log/memo notebook.

Other Duties

• May be a resource for difficult sticks.
• Local travel required.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Completes required education assignments annually.
• Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.