LAB ASSISTANT

Position Summary

Venous and capillary blood specimens for both in and out patients, responsibility for the safety and comfort of customers, clerical/computer duties, and courier responsibilities as required for the position. Customer service and OP collection is recognized as the first priority.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.).
• Operates and monitors of pneumatic tube system.
• Collects blood samples from venous and/or capillary (heel or finger) sites as required by facility.
• Labels Blood Bank specimens using the Hollister Ident-A-Band system.
• Uses aseptic technique in the collection of blood culture specimens.
• Accurately labels all specimens.
• Maintains clerical and phlebotomy work areas in a neat and sanitary manner.
• 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.
• Fills out orders appropriately and manages filing system.
• Notifies Sr. Lab Assistant or Manager for timely correction of errors.
• Prints/sorts/faxes/charts inpatient Laboratory, Pathology, and Imaging reports, and mails or distributes outpatient reports as needed.
• Performs courier duties, or dispatches the appropriate courier or courier service as needed, and properly manages requests for supplies.
• Participates in Laboratory performance improvement activities.
• Complies with Laboratory policies and procedures, including Exposure Control, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Disaster Plan, the Joint Commission standards, CLIA and State regulations.
• Reviews and sign-off on communication log/memo notebook.
• May be a resource for difficult sticks.
• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Education: None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.

Minimum Experience: Entry level, Basic computer skills.

Licensure Requirement: Certification by NCA, ASCP, ASPT, or comparable institution is desirable.