Phlebotomist (Laboratory Assistant)

Essential Job Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

Verifies patient by confirming two (2) patient identifiers (i.e. Name & Date of Birth)

Performs clinical intake prior to lab procedure(s)

Completes venipuncture questionnaire with patient prior to obtaining blood samples

Scans all venipuncture documents within 24 hours of blood draw

Verifies lab requisitions placed in Electronic Health Record (EHR) by providers

Identifies and separates frozen orders from master requisition and create new accession (frozens) where applicable

Guides the Patient through the venipuncture procedure process

Selects blood sample collection tubes and use in appropriate order of draw

Obtains blood sample(s) by performing venipuncture, finger sticks, heel sticks or PKUs on infants/newborn.

Ensures accuracy of preprinted requisitions and labels prior to and post collections by PCAs/Medical Support staff

Ensures accurate labeling of all specimens delivered to the Lab by PCAs/Medical Support staff

Ensures PCA/Support staff accurately identify collected specimens by clearly initialing all labels attached to tubes/containers

Ensures referring provider matches ordering provider

Ensures the application of venipuncture charges to system

Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures; observing isolation procedures

Maintains specimen integrity by centrifuging within the time required (clotting time to be no longer than 15minutes)

Confirms timely collection of specimens placed outside in after hours boxes for Quest/LabCorp. 

Performs all CLIA waived in-house testing as requested by providers (With the exception of urine drug screens). 

Maintains credibility of  in-house waived testing result(s) by performing recommended quality controls

Maintains quality results by following department protocol/procedures and accurately recording results in quality-control log;

Reviews / Scrubs Lab schedule the day prior to lab appointments for patients falling within the recommended age group for “FIT Test”, offer and perform on their arrival.

Introduces any seasonal vaccines, i.e., influenza to patients with lab appointment, then task assigned PCA for administration.

CLERICAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Examine lab schedules to ensure Provider(s) order the day prior to patient(s) appointments

Maintain inventory control of laboratory supplies & equipment 

Generate and resolve TNP/TIQ reports daily 

Examine laboratory inventory and discard expired items

Clean and maintain work area and all laboratory equipment and supplies

Organize and prioritize work for timely completion

Ensure updated calibration of all lab equipment

Quality Assurance/Compliance

Ensures medical laboratory operations fully comply with Agency and HIPAA requirements.

Maintain strict level of confidentiality relating to laboratory results and records

Comply with professional standards, health center policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and JCAHO standards.

Ensure online trainings are current as required (i.e. MyLearningPointe and other trainings).

Assists supervisor in the training of new staff (peers).

Ensure the timely submission of monthly QA assessments to Laboratory Compliance Manager.

Culture of Service: 3 C’s

Compassion

• Greets internal or external customers (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) with courtesy, making eye contact, responding with a proper tone and nonverbal language.

• Listens to the internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) attentively, reassuring and understanding of the request and providing appropriate options or resolutions.

Competency

• Provides services required by following established protocols and when needed, procure additional help to answer questions to ensure appropriate services are delivered

Commitment

• Takes initiative and anticipates internal or external customer needs by engaging them in the process and following up as needed

• Prioritize internal or external customer (i.e. patient, client, staff, vendor) requests to ensure the prompt and effective response is provided

Safety

Ensures proper hand washing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Understands and appropriately acts upon the assigned role in Emergency Code System.

Understands and performs assigned roles in the organization’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP).

Contact Responsibility

The responsibility for external contacts is frequent and important.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the following physical and sensory activities: constant standing, talking in person, talking on the phone, hearing/ visual acuity and exposure to blood borne pathogens and hazardous materials. Frequent, walking,  sitting and bending. Work is performed in office and laboratory setting. 

Other

Participates in health center developmental activities as requested.

Other duties as assigned.