Laboratory Assistant

About the Role

This position is an on-site, patient-facing role responsible for identifying the best method for collecting specimens, accurately ordering and preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and performing other laboratory testing procedures as per training. In-office presence is essential due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.

Responsibilities

• Obtains blood specimens by performing venipunctures and collecting other specimens as required (25% of duties).
• Tracks collected specimens by documenting initials, date, and time of collection; maintaining daily tallies of collections performed (25% of duties).
• Resolves unusual test orders by contacting the physician, nursing personnel, mid-levels, or laboratory personnel; refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification; notifies supervisor of unresolved orders (25% of duties).
• Verifies test requisitions by comparing information with orders, bringing discrepancies to the attention of laboratory or clinic personnel (25% of duties).

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED.
• 2 years’ experience drawing blood preferred.
• Other laboratory testing experience is a plus (waived and/or non-waived testing).
• Demonstrated computer skills, including excellent keyboarding skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Email, Allscripts, and EMR systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to support offsite locations as necessary.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Skills and Abilities

• Enjoys a fast-paced, challenging, and changing environment; possesses the energy and commitment to help the organization move forward.
• Understands the ethics of confidentiality and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to communicate well with physicians, staff, and patients with tact and diplomacy.
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude in all aspects of work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including English usage, grammar, punctuation, and style.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Detailed oriented with excellent records maintenance skills.
• Proactive with strong independent decision-making skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Willingness to accept orders and perform repetitive tasks.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a diverse community.
• Ability to make evaluative judgments.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to function well while involved in multiple task assignments and constant interruptions.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and other compliance requirements.
• Follows all OSHA safety rules and regulations and participates in annual safety trainings.

Schedule

Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with a one-hour lunch. Slight modifications may be made to this schedule with approval from the Lab Manager, Lab Director, Practice Administrator, and Human Resources.

Physical Demands

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment with moderate noise levels.
• Regularly required to stand, talk, or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Requires full range of body motion, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; may use tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
• Requires eyesight (corrected or uncorrected) to accurately read job-related materials and patient information.
• High risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
• Must be able to work overtime as needed.