Phlebotomist Outreach

Responsibilities

• Performs various functions associated with the computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens.
• Registers patients and orders tests following established policies and procedures for patient identification and verification, registration, test orders, medical necessity and document scanning.
• Sorts and files records, answers phones, delivers reports, receives patients into clinical/treatment areas, and interviews patients to obtain insurance, biographical, and medical information to complete registration records.
• Provides patients with forms for tests, gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary before tests or appointments, and contacts patients to return and repeat tests or outside agency physician offices to obtain additional patient information to complete patient records.
• Manages Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABNSN) to include obtaining supporting diagnostic codes, document review, patient signature, document management, and scanning.
• Maintains/monitors standing orders for expiration and renewals confirming tasks are followed through to completion.
• Schedules venipunctures or capillary blood punctures according to priority and type of test, such as timed studies.
• Utilizes computer-generated collection labels and references Pathology Handbook as necessary to ensure collection of specimens is in accordance with established procedures, i.e., specimens are collected in proper containers and meet special collection requirements as appropriate.
• Verifies identity of patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to venipuncture such as fasting or special diet.
• Obtains blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture technique.
• Alerts nursing staff or supervisor to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition.
• May collect other types of specimens (throat culture etc.) and may require processing of samples to include centrifuging samples and specimen tracking.
• Verifies volume and timing of dosage for specialized tests (thyroid Releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, and D-Xylose tolerance).
• May monitor patient as assigned to observe reactions, including Diaphoresis, sleeping, etc.
• Labels, wraps, and transports samples according to type and urgency of sample.
• Maintains records on sample procurement.
• Performs duties according to hospital policy and universal precautions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program to include formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5 plus years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children, and infants.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard skills to enter access information.
• Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions, and interference.
• Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children, and infants. Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and to explain procedures effectively in order to allay fears and anxiety. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard skills to enter access information. Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions, and interference. Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.