Laboratory Assistant
About The Position
The Laboratory Assistant / Phlebotomist performs non-technical laboratory functions under the supervision of a department supervisor, manager, or director. Duties include collecting and processing specimens, registering patients, and submitting and monitoring specimens sent to referral laboratories. The role follows written procedures and regulatory requirements and supports departmental goals for service, quality, compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, a healthy work environment, and coordination across departments. The position requires working with patients across age groups, handling specimen documentation and laboratory information systems, and addressing specimen or referral-testing issues. The Laboratory Assistant also performs clerical, quality assurance, preventive maintenance, and safety-related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience performing registration, clerical duties, and specimen processing for send-out testing.
- Ability to interact with coworkers in a team environment and promote a harmonious, cooperative workplace.
- Excellent customer service practices.
- Ability to communicate effectively with personnel and exchange accurate, timely technical information.
- Follow safety policies and procedures.
- Protect sensitive and confidential information and adhere to company security policies and standards.
- Complete assigned courses and training annually.
- Available to work during disasters.
Nice To Haves
- Vocational or technical degree preferred.
- 1–3 years in a clinical laboratory setting preferred.
- Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, Paramedic, or EMT certification preferred.
- Proficiency in venipuncture and/or finger sticks for pediatric, neonatal, adult, and geriatric patients.
- Proficiency in infant heel sticks when required by the patient population.
Responsibilities
- Collect specimens, including venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks as applicable to the patient population.
- Follow patient identification and specimen collection procedures based on test orders; document collections and explain procedures to patients or families.
- Process, label, aliquot, centrifuge, and prepare specimens for testing or courier pickup according to established protocols and test requirements.
- Register patients and enter orders accurately and promptly when requested.
- Receive specimens into the laboratory information system and perform related clerical duties, including faxing, answering phones, using the pneumatic tube system, and handling reports.
- Review the Outstanding Specimen Report and pending collection, accessioning, and referral-testing issues, and take appropriate action.
- Assess referral-testing requirements, troubleshoot specimen and order-entry issues, process specimens for referral laboratories, and monitor referred testing to ensure results are received within established turnaround times.
- Communicate and troubleshoot problem or pending specimens with customers, floors, physicians, and personnel as needed.
- Maintain records and documentation concerning specimen problems and take corrective action to support valid and accurate testing.
- Perform periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned.
- Collect chain-of-custody drug specimens according to policy when required by the laboratory.
- Discard specimens according to schedule and clean up emergency specimen spills.
- Follow safety, privacy, security, and company policies; complete assigned annual training and courses.
- Prioritize and plan duties, use supplies appropriately, and contribute to a cooperative work environment and customer service.
Benefits
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine benefits
- Free counseling and referral services
- Paid time off and paid family leave
- Long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
- 401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay, based on years of service
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, and dependent scholarships
- Fertility and family-building benefits
- Adoption assistance
- Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans
- Auto and home insurance
- Legal counseling
- Identity theft protection and consumer discounts
- Financial wellbeing counseling and retirement resources
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
