Lab Assistant III-P - Full Time - 1.0 FTE, 08-HR, Day Shift
About The Position
Under the direct supervision of the Pre-Analytical Supervisor or Section Supervisor, the Lab Assistant III-P performs accessioning, specimen receiving and processing, phone support, result faxing and distribution, and phlebotomy. The role requires accurate, timely work that preserves sample quality, sound judgment in identifying and correcting irregularities or unusual requests, compliance with written procedures, and other duties or special projects as assigned. The position rotates through areas including specimen receiving, microbiology, billing, phones, accessioning, spin/aliquot, and inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy. It also assists with orientation and training of employees and students as needed. The assistant accesses and verifies patient and test-request information, processes and routes samples, handles routine inquiries and results, prepares materials and specimens, maintains supplies and records, and performs blood collection according to laboratory procedures. The role supports efficient laboratory workflow and courteous communication with patients, families, clinicians, visitors, and hospital staff.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Two years of directly related work experience.
- CPT certification.
- Ability to establish good working relationships with professional, technical, and nontechnical staff.
- Ability to keep blood-drawing trays and equipment clean and organized.
- Ability to organize, prioritize, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to perform blood collection using skin (micro) puncture and venipuncture.
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English effectively at a level appropriate for the job.
- Knowledge of basic laboratory testing procedures, laboratory precautions, and the use and care of equipment in the assigned area.
- Knowledge of instruments, methods, and materials used in a hospital laboratory.
- Knowledge of phlebotomy methods and techniques.
- Knowledge of nontechnical laboratory needs, usually acquired through work experience and/or schooling.
- Data-entry skills.
- Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with any required licenses or certifications, is qualifying.
Responsibilities
- Accurately enter patient information into the laboratory computer system and verify test requests; consult a supervisor, lead, or technologist about unclear or unusual requests.
- Notify physicians, nursing units, clinics, or others when specimens are inappropriate for testing or compromised.
- Process, centrifuge, aliquot, plate, and route specimens to the appropriate laboratory areas, prioritizing STAT requests appropriately.
- Receive specimens through the pneumatic system, from couriers, patients, or hospital personnel, and distribute or route them according to procedure.
- Answer telephone inquiries about testing status, provide results, transfer calls, and accurately take results from reference laboratories.
- Prepare media, reagents, glassware, and specimens for testing or shipment to reference laboratories; ensure send-out paperwork is complete and accurate.
- Perform inpatient and outpatient blood collection using venipuncture or capillary sticks, following patient identification, specimen handling, and urgent/STAT draw procedures.
- Print and distribute reports and fax, mail, or route them as requested.
- Assist with orientation and training of Lab Assistants and other new employees or students in general and nontechnical laboratory procedures.
- Maintain accurate and legible logs, records, and data; keep work areas clean, stocked, and organized; maintain laboratory and nursing-unit phlebotomy supplies and report low inventory.
- Report equipment, machinery, or other abnormal circumstances promptly to a supervisor or lead.
- Resolve routine work problems independently and seek assistance when appropriate.
- Keep current with laboratory procedures, techniques, and changes in areas of rotation.
- Communicate courteously and cooperatively with patients, families, physicians, nurses, visitors, and laboratory and hospital staff; support patient and laboratory priorities and efficient workflow.
- Follow departmental attendance, punctuality, health, safety, and other written policies and procedures.
- Use age-appropriate competencies and techniques when interacting with children.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
