Laboratory Assistant 1 - Flagstaff Medical Center

Northern Arizona Healthcare•Flagstaff, AZ

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for collecting and receiving specimens, entering information accurately into the laboratory information system (LIS), preparing samples for analytical testing, and distributing specimens to testing areas. The role organizes daily activities according to request urgency and may perform assigned point-of-care testing and therapeutic phlebotomy procedures. It also includes clerical duties related to post-analytical testing and communication with others through various tools. The position handles biohazardous and infectious materials while following universal precautions and OSHA guidelines. It is located in NAH Laboratory Departments only, not in NAH Medical Group Primary Care/Family Practice Clinics. The role includes specimen collection and patient preparation, specimen processing and quality checks, accurate computer documentation and billing, and compliance with safety requirements, regulations, policies, training, and assigned clinical competencies. The employee must be able to monitor patients for unexpected reactions and respond to emergency situations as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
For Laboratory Assistant 2: National Phlebotomy Certification is required.
Obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for roles assigned by the departmental leader.
Understand computers and demonstrate competence using computers and basic software programs.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an approved phlebotomy training program.
At least 1 year of laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

Collect specimens and prepare patients while ensuring correct patient and specimen identification according to NAH policy.
Label specimens at the point of care and follow the Final Check protocol.
Collect blood cultures using established procedures and aseptic technique, and collect blood bank specimens according to blood bank procedures.
Use infection control techniques and universal precautions; confirm patient and specimen requirements before collection and preserve specimen integrity using appropriate techniques.
Accession specimens into the LIS with the appropriate location, date, and time of service, and distribute specimens within the laboratory, announcing STAT specimens when applicable.
Use two identifiers when relabeling and initialing specimens with Cerner-generated labels.
Keep the processing area organized and prioritize upcoming draw times by collection priority when working in the main Laboratory.
Manage the specimen pending list throughout the shift and communicate follow-ups to the next shift.
Aliquot and label specimens according to departmental procedures when needed, plate microbiology specimens as appropriate, and assess specimen quality and take appropriate action for unacceptable specimens.
Identify opportunities to decrease costs, improve productivity, and improve service; perform other laboratory technical support functions as determined by the laboratory.
Enter data into the LIS accurately for documentation and billing; use PowerChart to print patient requisitions and confirm timed studies.
Determine when to use quick registration, full registration, or client billing, and demonstrate use of applicable Cerner icons.
Complete documents legibly and accurately according to site protocol and document communications appropriately.
Place specimens into recollect status or cancel them, with appropriate documentation, when indicated.
Pull up a fax list daily and ensure faxes are completed in a timely manner; monitor pending lists and discuss them at shift change.
Verify patient demographics, insurance, and diagnostic test information for outpatient and outreach services, and log specimens into the correct location.
Report safety-related incidents promptly through the Midas/RDE tool, attend safety training, work safely, monitor the work environment for safety issues, and ensure others work safely.
Stay current with applicable state and federal regulations, statutes, and company policies; maintain required certifications and licenses before expiration.
Complete mandatory company modules and job-specific training within the specified time frame.
Monitor patients for unexpected reactions and respond to emergency situations as required.