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 specimen collection is recognized as the first priority.

Responsibilities

• transcribes medical orders in a timely manner
• orders the appropriate laboratory tests as indicated for patients, 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
• responsible for strict adherence to proper handling of confidential test results
• properly processes all specimens including accessioning; recognition of test priorities; centrifugation; separation/processing, logging and special collection requirements
• properly collects blood samples from venous and/or capillary (heel or finger) sites as required by facility
• proper use of aseptic technique in the collection of blood culture specimens
• accurately labels all specimens
• proper use of blood bank armband and labeling system
• strict adherence to proper identification of patient’s name and DOB by hospital armband and asking the patient his/her name, or by asking the RN to visually identify the patient
• strict adherence to proper disposal of needles/sharps, and used gloves during phlebotomy
• maintains clerical and phlebotomy work areas in a neat and sanitary manner
• responsible for participation 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
• 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
• performs other duties as assigned

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.

Minimum Experience: None

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