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.

Computer Systems Knowledge

• Knowledgeable of manual systems for ordering, collection, verification, and charting in instances of computer failure.

Specimen Handling

• 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.).

Phlebotomy Procedures

• 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.
• Maintain clerical and phlebotomy work areas in a neat and sanitary manner.

Quality Review and Reporting

• 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.

Laboratory 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.

Other Duties

• Attends General Laboratory meetings and section meetings as required.
• Reviews and sign-off on communication log/memo notebook.
• May be a resource for difficult sticks.

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: Entry level, Basic computer skills.
• Licensure Requirement: Certification by NCA, ASCP, ASPT, or comparable institution is desirable.
• Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license Class D and state mandated minimum insurance coverage.
• Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.