Laboratory Assistant

Reports to the Laboratory Manager or Coordinator (BMG).

About the role

Ensures that lab requisitions are appropriately completed and authorized and obtains pertinent patient information for laboratory records and/or billing purposes. Performs general office/clerical responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintains daily patient log and enters test results on forms.
• Distributes reports to physicians' offices, as required.
• Maintains file of standing lab and future lab orders for patients.
• Maintains laboratory orders and test results for two years.
• Receives and collects specimens for laboratory testing, including drawing blood, collecting urine and other body materials and fluids from patients.
• Performs EKGs, spirometry, audiometry, breath alcohol testing, and maintains logs.
• Performs other lab analyses which require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training, or experience and technical abilities, as authorized by the laboratory director.
• Writes lab charge on billing ticket and checks for associated diagnosis for billing purposes.
• Maintains quality control and maintenance records up-to-date, adhering to the laboratory's quality control policies, and documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed commensurate with education, training, and job expectations.
• Maintains cleanliness of laboratory, cleaning spills with special attention to body fluid precautions and contaminated waste disposal per OSHA guidelines.

  Provides General Office Support

  • Receives and greets all patients and visitors in a professional manner and provides all reasonable assistance.
  • Receives telephone calls, takes and relays messages accurately.
  • Obtains information from the patient to accurately complete the patient record for payment information.
  • Completes other job-related duties as assigned.

    Organizational Responsibilities

    • Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
    • Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
    • Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
    • Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
    • Patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
    • Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
    • Complies with established organization and department policies.
    • Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

      Education and Experience

      • The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of high school diploma (with courses in mathematics and some biological sciences preferred).
      • Minimum of one year of patient care, customer service, general office/clerical or related experience is preferred.
      • Completion of a phlebotomy training program or experience preferred.
      • Qualifies as testing personnel for moderate complexity testing as defined in CFR 493.1423.

      Knowledge & Skills

      • Knowledge of medical terminology, basic lab knowledge, ability to perform phlebotomy, and routine lab testing.
      • Proficient typing and computer skills, and basic knowledge of billing and business office procedures.
      • Demonstrates the communication and telephone skills necessary to greet patients and answer the telephone in a pleasant, clear, concise, and helpful manner.
      • Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, other team members, and the public.

      Physical Demands

      • Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.
      • Also requires visual acuity, normal color perception and full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.