Phlebotomist Lab Tech

Baystate Health•Westfield, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Phlebotomy Lab Tech is responsible for performing venipuncture and capillary puncture on diverse patient types in an Emergency Room setting. This role requires advanced skills in assessing vein size, location, and position for vascular access. The incumbent will also have advanced knowledge of routine and specialized lab tests, specimen requirements, and specimen processing, shipping, and handling. Key duties include receiving, assessing, accessioning, and preparing patient specimens for analysis, verifying specimen identity and appropriateness of orders, accessioning specimens and orders in a laboratory information system, and labeling specimens. The role involves preparing and loading specimens onto automated testing equipment, testing specimens using waived test platforms, reporting results in the LIS, and archiving specimens or ensuring their delivery to other laboratories. The Phlebotomy Lab Tech will also handle telephone inquiries for laboratory test information and possess a basic knowledge of laboratory testing, equipment, and techniques. Adherence to departmental policies and procedures, recording basic quality control data, and maintaining high-level organizational skills, multitasking abilities, and independent problem-solving are essential. The position requires attention to detail, excellent verbal and intercommunication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Establishing and maintaining good client relations and presenting a professional manner at all times are also important. The role requires flexibility to adjust schedules to accommodate staffing needs.

Requirements

Completion of formal phlebotomy or other medical program such as Medical Assistant, CLA, Technical Associate, etc.
Minimum of 5 years of experience.
Advanced knowledge of phlebotomy and techniques acquired from clinical experience
Possesses typing skills and knowledge of computers.
Knowledge of medical terminology
Speak, read and write English proficiently
Ability to prioritize
Good organizational skills
Attention to detail
Excellent verbal communication and customer service skills
Ability to work independently

Responsibilities

Accurately identifies patient and/or specimen and completely and accurately labels specimens in adherence to departmental policy, with 100% accuracy.
Demonstrates advanced level of knowledge and technical and judgmental skills to perform venous and capillary punctures to collect blood specimens for lab analysis from diverse patient types.
Performs assessment of vein size, location and position for vascular access at an advanced level, with confidence and expertise.
Handles and responds to patient complications of blood collection, referring to appropriate person for immediate medical or supervisory attention.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of collection requirements and specimen handling in regards to: order of draw, patient preparation, use of equipment, collection of proper samples.
Applies knowledge of specialized testing such as tolerance testing.
Ability to calculate minimum or maximum blood volume to collect blood specimens from pediatric patients, according to current protocol, assisting coworkers as needed and referring issues needing attention to supervisor as necessary.
Performs centrifugation, processing and routine and special specimen handling for accurate testing utilizing available resources to acquire information as needed.
Ensures delivery of STAT specimens in a timely manner.
Performs packaging reference lab specimens, including specimen handling and applicable tracking logs or paperwork.
Verifies identity, source and appropriateness of specimen for the orders received.
Accurately enters orders into Laboratory Information System and has good understanding of the computer systems utilized within service area.
Ensures accurate labeling of specimen and any testing components with patient and test information.
Uses high level knowledge of specimen volume/quantity requirements to ensure that appropriate prioritization is applied to order of testing and allocation of specimen to other departments or reference laboratories.
As appropriate, is formally trained and has responsibility for packaging and shipping of specimens to external laboratories.
Communicates and collaborates with other services to ensure timely, accurate and appropriate specimen allocation and delivery among services.
Performs test ordering and other functions in lab computer systems, ensuring accuracy and completion of data data entry.
Contacts physician or appropriate parties for clarification of information.
Performs advance level of troubleshooting of test ordering or other related functions, assisting coworkers as needed and referring issues needing attention to supervisor as necessary.
Performs tasks related to record keeping, such as QA data, temperature & sanitation recording, bio-hazardous waste disposal, etc.
Following departmental procedures and instructions, able to carry out most routine and specialized specimen processing procedures on a variety of specimen types (blood, tissue and other) using manual or automated methods, ensuring proper specimen preservation during all steps (positive identification, time, temperature, etc).
Refers questions to the appropriate technical staff member.
Maintains a neat and professional appearance according to Baystate Health and/or departmental policy.
Observes and promotes the Baystate Health organization Standards of Behavior.
Maintains awareness and follows all corporate and Baystate Health and Pathology Compliance policies and procedures.
Completes on-line compliance, safety training, educational and or other required assignments within established deadlines.
Maintains consistent and reliable attendance.
Organizes and prioritizes work tasks in order to allow for smooth operations and maximize productivity.
Follows all guidelines, procedures, policies, laws, etc. which apply to specific work areas, incorporating changes or additions into daily routine.
In all communications/interactions, demonstrates good communication, customer service and teamwork skills.
In all activities works with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Consults with appropriate technical person regarding any questions.
Maintains accurate records, quality control or other data.
Communicates issues thoroughly, accurately and promptly.
Follows all departmental and BH policies regarding compliance.
Observes and promotes the BH organizational standards of behavior.
Prepare and load specimens on to various automated testing equipment.
Test specimens using various waived test platforms and report results in the LIS.