Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant I - Penn Medicine University City- 3737 Market St

About the role

Full-time 1st Shift - Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant I - Penn Medicine University City, 3737 Market St. A Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant is an individual trained on-the-job or through a structured Phlebotomy program to draw blood for diagnostic testing from patients aged infant through older adult. The Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant also processes a variety of clinical specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing, and accesses associated patient records.

Responsibilities

• Correctly identifies the stage of growth of development of patients and significant others
• Utilizes knowledge of growth and development when communicating to various age groups
• Explains appropriate information according to age and developmental level of patients and visitors
• Identifies communication barriers and intervenes appropriately
• Recognizes cultural differences and the need to adjust communication styles and behaviors to meet the needs of the patient (e.g. direct eye contact, touching with transferring)
• Listens to patient's queries, comments and/or concerns and provides appropriate information and responses
• Introduces self when interacting with patients, families, visitors or other employees.
• Entry of (release of) patient demographics, test orders, billing information into a variety of computer systems (EMR/LIS)
• Follows established SOP and age-specific techniques for the collection of biological specimens for analysis, and evaluates and solves problems related to that process
• Correctly identifies outpatients and inpatients according to approved protocols with 100% accuracy
• Performs accurate venipuncture and micro (capillary) techniques in sample collection
• May perform specialized collection to include breath alcohol testing, hair collection, and EKG’s.
• Properly labels specimens with 100% accuracy
• Draws all timed/scheduled samples in a timely manner
• Observes emotional and physical state of patient for any adverse reactions to phlebotomy
• Performs assigned patient-sample processing activities.
• Follows established SOP for the processing of biological specimens for analysis and evaluates and solves problems related to that process
• Operates the pneumatic tube system properly and observes all Infection Control policies while handling specimens
• Provides timely distribution of specimens to appropriate laboratory sections
• Maintains accurate and orderly log records and/or worksheets where required according to SOP’s.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area
• Demonstrates safe work practices
• Keeps work area free from personal documents & items
• Answers phone in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, speaking to caller in a caring manner
• Answers questions or refers callers to the appropriate source
• Avoids putting caller on hold or transferring call unnecessarily.
• Researches phone inquiries regarding specimen collection or test results by referencing available manuals and records and calls caller back promptly
• Understands collection requirements for special or referral testing prepares specimens, ensures integrity and correctness of sample and arranges for dispatch and pick-up of specimens
• Keeps current with laboratory minutes and documented changes.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies and appropriately communicates the need to re-order before supplies run out
• Assists with the instruction of procedures and techniques to other employees and students
• Performs daily temperature checks on rooms, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, and preventive maintenance on centrifuges as needed.
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