Laboratory Assistant

Lifepoint Health•Sierra Vista, AZ

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs venipuncture and specimen collection/processing; completes chain-of-custody collections and breath alcohol testing as required; supports order entry and clerical workflows; answers laboratory phones and provides customer service; assists with inventory of phlebotomy supplies. Reports to the Director or Manager of Department.

Requirements

High School diploma preferred.
Phlebotomy Certification preferred.
Critical thinking, decisive judgment, ability to work with minimal supervision in a stressful environment; rapid learning and navigation of multiple software systems; effective English communication (read/write/speak); ability to complete the Skills Competency Checklist within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Review providers’ orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.
Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to all collections.
Obtain blood specimens via venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick; collect urine, throat, and nasal specimens per policy.
Label specimens with at least two identifiers plus date/time and collector initials; ensure specimen integrity and proper handling/transport.
Perform chain-of-custody urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol testing per policy.
Coordinate therapeutic drug-monitoring collections with nursing to align dose and draw time.
Resolve unusual/unclear test orders by contacting the ordering provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference lab; escalate unresolved issues to the supervisor.
Process specimens and distribute to appropriate internal lab sections or ship to reference laboratories according to policy.
Maintain par levels and assist with weekly departmental inventory of supplies.
Participate in performance improvement and required education; perform other duties as assigned