Lab Assistant I 0.9 FT

General Summary

The Laboratory Assistant I performs specific pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical tasks. They prioritize incoming specimens, process them according to safety guidelines, and ensure accurate specimen labeling and distribution.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prioritizes incoming specimens and processes them in accordance with department safety guidelines.
• Reviews pending logs during and at the end of their shift.
• Reviews orders for accuracy and integrity of specimen collection.
• Generates labels and attaches them accurately to specimens, always reviewing names on specimens and reprinting if necessary.
• Distributes specimens promptly, notifying technologists of STAT orders and ensuring timely processing.
• Sets up microbiology tests as assigned.
• Answers the phone in specimen processing, relaying messages and addressing specimen-related inquiries.
• Outputs results meeting normal standards.
• Performs quality control, reporting any values outside set criteria to supervisor.
• Assesses and cares for patients’ age-specific needs based on scope of practice and training.
• Collects chain of custody drug screens and glucose tolerance tests following guidelines.
• Researches and compares orders for reference work, ensuring correct tests were ordered.
• Reviews and processes specimens for proper type, volume, and storage requirements.
• Maintains inventory of reference laboratory supplies and requests re-orders as needed.
• Manages pending reference test lists, resolving issues with overdue or missing specimens.
• Generates and receives batches for specimen pickup and manages stock levels at workstations.
• Cleans outpatient contact areas and phlebotomy carts, documenting actions and discarding expired supplies.
• Prioritizes workload to meet testing priorities.
• Collects accurate specimens from patients of varying ages via venipuncture, capillary puncture, or arterial collections, following protocol.
• Ensures specimens contain all necessary information with minimal trauma to patients.
• Enters specimen comments as needed and follows safety practices, including hand hygiene protocols.
• Provides proper instructions to patients for urine collection and dietary restrictions.
• Treats patients and co-workers with dignity and respect.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• One year experience as a phlebotomist or lab assistant is required.
• No certification or license is required, but a PBT (ASCP) is preferred.

Mental/Physical Requirements

• Close mental and visual attention required for short periods of time.
• 50% of time spent standing and walking throughout the department and facility.
• Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions

• Constant exposure to infectious materials.
• Works in an air-conditioned environment with moderate noise levels.
• May be required to work any time of day.

Benefits and Opportunities

At Phelps Health, we believe we offer a better team, benefits, and opportunities for growth than anyone else in the area. We invite you to join us on our mission in healthcare.