Lab Assistant | Portland, ME | 40-Hours

InterMed, P.A.•Portland, ME

4h•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for a variety of tasks related to laboratory sample processing, patient interaction, and administrative duties. The Lab Assistant will perform phlebotomy, accession and process lab samples, instruct patients on sample collection, and maintain supply levels. They will also be responsible for preparing samples for transport, maintaining a clean work area, and packaging biohazardous waste. Additionally, the role involves performing Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), adhering to safety regulations (OSHA and CLIA), and assisting with training new employees. Specific tasks include daily workflows like scanning lab composites, scrubbing schedules, and performing "no-show" workflows. For applicable sites, there may be involvement in assisting technologists with cultures, operating urinalysis analyzers, and processing various sample types.

Requirements

Successful completion of a phlebotomy or lab assistant training course required.
Must be able to implement universal precautions always.
Ability to calm anxious patients.
Teamwork and cooperation.
Ability to multi-task with little to no guidance.
Concern for order, quality, and accuracy.
Ability to prioritize, organize and plan work independently.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Perform the N-95 Fit testing, unless medically excused.

Nice To Haves

1 year of phlebotomy experience with all types of patients and processing preferred.
Excellent professional judgment, phone skills and decision-making ability.
Flexible as assignments and locations change.

Responsibilities

Perform phlebotomy for adult and pediatric patients.
Identify patients using two unique identifiers.
Accession and process all lab samples using LIS and EMR systems, including outside orders.
Transfer orders from EMR to LIS and enter appropriate information.
Instruct patients on proper urine/stool/sputum collection procedures.
Identify correct vacutainer tubes for specific tests and ensure proper specimen labeling.
Check send-out log for received reports and contact performing labs for pending copies.
Maintain adequate supply levels and order supplies as instructed by the supervisor.
Perform other clinical or administrative office tasks as necessary.
Prepare samples for transport and understand all specimen processing procedures.
Adhere to site-specific workflows.
Keep work area clean, stocked, and organized.
Package Biohazardous Waste for scheduled pick up.
Perform all POCT including Quick Strep, Urine hCG, Urine Dip, Quick Flu, Occult Blood, and Urine Drug Screen.
Perform and document QC when necessary.
Abide by personnel policies and procedures.
Maintain excellent customer service with patients, staff, and physicians.
Assist in training new employees as directed.
Work on quality improvement initiatives with the manager, as directed.
Follow all OSHA and CLIA regulations.
Perform and document tasks on the OSHA Log, including disinfection, waste disposal, and equipment cleaning.
Consistently perform daily workflows such as "Scanned Lab Composite" and scrubbing lab schedules.
Perform "no-show" workflow from lab schedules.
Work in the processing area independently.
Audit POCT office logs.
If applicable, assist technologists in planting and checking Micro work lists for various cultures.
Disassemble and clean urinalysis analyzer daily.
Order processing supplies as needed.
Process and distribute samples to appropriate performing departments.
Perform QC on waived platforms.
Process urine samples on the automated platform and prepare for microscopic examination.
Plate microbiology cultures.
Cap and store samples.
Process Urgent Care samples STAT.
Perform any additional projects within the scope of the position, as directed.