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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Uses the Hollister Ident-A-Band system for labeling Blood Bank specimens.
• 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.
• Reviews and signs off on communication log/memo notebook.
• Pick-up of specimens from physicians offices by performing 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.
• 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.