Laboratory Support Tech (LST), Clinical Laboratory

Cape Cod Healthcare•Hyannis, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Support Tech (LST) at Cape Cod Hospital (CCH) plays a crucial role in the clinical laboratory, focusing on data processing, specimen handling, and customer service. This position involves a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring the efficient and accurate operation of the laboratory. The LST is expected to approach all tasks with a customer service mindset, continually seeking to improve user satisfaction and interacting professionally with patients and colleagues. Key responsibilities include data processing, operating and maintaining computer systems, handling phone inquiries, managing specimen integrity, preparing specimens for transport, maintaining inventory, and ensuring confidentiality. The role also involves contributing to quality assurance, performing pre-analytic and post-analytic specimen processing, and assisting with the preparation of culture specimens. Additionally, the LST may be involved in training new personnel and providing coverage for the Specimen Processing Supervisor. A strong emphasis is placed on maintaining a clean work environment, adhering to hospital policies, and demonstrating excellent prioritization and organizational skills within a fast-paced setting.

Requirements

Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.
Proficiency in using computers.
Successful passage of Medical Terminology course OR successful passage of the CCH Medical Terminology exam.
One year recent (within the past 5 years) Phlebotomy experience or current (within the past 6 months) certificate in Phlebotomy.
Successful passage of the CCH LST Qualifying Exam.
Successful passage of Shipping of Dangerous goods/IATA certification within 30 calendar days of starting position. Must maintain certification in accordance with federal regulations.

Nice To Haves

Excellent prioritization and organizational skills.
Ability to work as a team member who displays a professional demeanor and is able to work effectively in a fast paced environment.
Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers in a manner that reflects Cape Cod Hospital's commitment to CARES: compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and service.
One year recent (within the past 5 years) experience as a Clinical Associate, Unit Clerk, Diagnostic Tech, PST FH Lab Assistant, PSA, PCT, CNA, Medical Secretary or other position that requires Lab test ordering, lab specimen processing, or phlebotomy or an Associate or higher degree in Medical/Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Biology, Microbiology, or Chemistry, from an accredited institution.

Responsibilities

Performs data processing functions including non-patient admissions, order entry, cancellation, result entry and retrieval, add-on tests, and specimen storage and retrieval.
Operates computer system in all assigned functions, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and implementation of backup systems.
Answers phone promptly, relays messages, and provides accurate information regarding testing procedures, collection, results, or other laboratory questions. Forwards calls or messages to appropriate staff if unable to provide information.
Communicates relevant information to technical staff regarding specimens, including adequacy, test add-ons, cancellations, and test priority.
Delivers or mails reports.
Faxes patient results upon request and in compliance with HIPAA guidelines.
Calls or faxes all STAT results for tests listed on the Emergency Test List and documents the action in the Laboratory Computer system.
Checks specimens for acceptability and special handling needs and distributes them to sections for processing or testing.
Processes and distributes specimens and batches from outreach sites.
Prepares and processes specimens for shipment to intra-system locations, reference labs, or other institutions/special studies.
Compiles necessary support documentation and makes arrangements for transportation of specimens.
Files reference lab reports.
Checks inventory, orders stock items, and stores them upon arrival. Keeps benches stocked with appropriate supplies.
Maintains confidentiality of information according to Cape Cod Hospital’s policy and procedure.
Maintains harmonious and cooperative relations with fellow employees, medical staff, patients, and guests, serving effectively as part of the Laboratory team.
Maintains work benches, testing areas, and other work areas in a clean, sanitary, and clutter-free condition.
Maintains a thorough knowledge of departmental and Hospital policies and procedures as they pertain to the job.
Collects data for QA and other projects upon request.
Responsible for pre-analytic and post-analytic specimen processing, including aliquoting, labeling, operating centrifuge, creating labels, prioritizing specimens, archiving, and disposal.
Inoculates and processes culture specimens and prepares them for transportation to Falmouth Hospital Microbiology.
Performs general cleaning not performed by Environmental Services.
Performs other LST job-related duties and activities as assigned or requested.
Performs assigned tasks for limited but necessary coverage for absence of Specimen Processing Supervisor.
Performs training of new LST personnel as assigned.