Lab Assistant - Per Diem - Overnight

Catholic Health•Port Jefferson, NY

About The Position

The Lab Assistant obtains blood specimens from patients of all age groups and is familiar with specimen requirements and laboratory workflows, including collection, receipt, and distribution. The role involves collecting and labeling specimens, following patient-identification and age-specific protocols, using laboratory and phlebotomy equipment, and handling specialized specimen procedures. The Lab Assistant also supports regulatory compliance, maintains supplies and a clean, safe work area, follows infection-prevention and disposal procedures, resolves specimen and workflow issues, and communicates effectively during handoffs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Knowledge and ability to use laboratory/phlebotomy equipment safely and competently to obtain blood specimens from patients of all age groups.
Basic computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Certificate from an approved phlebotomy training program or a medical laboratory assistant program that includes phlebotomy.

Responsibilities

Treat patients professionally, courteously, and respectfully while adhering to age-specific protocols.
Ensure correct patient and specimen identification throughout specimen collection and testing.
Collect and label specimens; understand collection priorities and locations, collection devices, specimen containers, and order of draw.
Follow specimen requirements, including special processing and handling protocols.
Perform adult and pediatric venipunctures, capillary punctures, and blood culture collection.
Use laboratory and phlebotomy equipment safely and competently to obtain specimens from patients of all age groups.
Interpret orders for specialized procedures and follow the specimen requirements for those tests.
Assist immediate supervisors with compliance with New York State Department of Health, Joint Commission, and federal regulations.
Monitor supply inventory, unpack and replenish supplies in necessary areas, and notify the immediate supervisor when supplies need to be ordered.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment and follow daily disinfecting procedures.
Follow safety protocols, universal precautions, infection-prevention and control measures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Dispose of reagents, specimens, and sharps according to proper procedures.
Identify, analyze, and resolve work-related problems, consulting supervisors when necessary.
Resolve pending logs and provide effective handoff communication.