Phlebotomy Tech

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

2d•$19 - $22

About The Position

The Phlebotomy Tech collects, labels, processes, and transports patient specimens for testing, including routine and advanced venipuncture. The role follows patient identification, medical, laboratory, infection-control, and specimen-handling protocols while providing exemplary customer service throughout preanalytical and analytical processes. The position may be clinic-based or hospital-based, with duties varying by assigned work area. The Phlebotomy Tech uses departmental computer systems to manage orders and records, addresses specimen and collection issues, maintains supplies and equipment, and participates in quality improvement and professional development. Additional responsibilities may include training staff or students, coordinating in the absence of supervisory staff, or performing basic clerical work. Clinic-based duties may include reviewing requisitions, instructing patients on non-blood specimen collection, scheduling laboratory appointments, triaging specimens, and obtaining Medicare coverage waivers when applicable. Hospital-based duties may include maintaining computerized WOW carts, following isolation procedures, remaining available for emergent collections, and working with clinical staff to resolve outstanding specimen or collection issues.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic computer skills.
For clinic-based positions, ability to type at least 35 words per minute is required; for hospital-based positions, it is preferred.
Basic medical terminology and customer service skills are expected.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.
Use personal protective equipment, including respirators, as required by the assigned work area and tasks.

Nice To Haves

Two years of relevant phlebotomy experience preferred.
Phlebotomy certificate preferred.
For hospital-based positions, typing at least 35 words per minute is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collect patient blood samples through venipuncture as ordered and within prescribed time frames, including routine and advanced venipuncture.
Positively identify patients before specimen collection and follow strict patient-identification protocols.
Label, process, prepare, triage, and transport specimens accurately and promptly, including emergency, timed, referral, and other orders.
Initiate intervention on unacceptable specimens when appropriate.
Process STAT and timed-study orders within required time frames.
Use departmental computer programs to activate and manage orders, consolidate or cancel tests as authorized, order tests, enter comments, and troubleshoot.
Reconcile outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard procedures.
Follow universal precautions, barrier protection methods, infection-control practices, and patient isolation procedures as required.
Maintain commonly used supplies, inspect stock levels and expiration dates, and perform preventive equipment maintenance.
Take prompt action to resolve problems with specimen registration, collection, or processing using test catalogs and reference materials.
Perform specimen-processing procedures and basic clerical duties as needed.
Identify, understand, and document issues, problems, and opportunities, escalating them to supervisors when appropriate.
May assume coordinator responsibilities in the absence of supervisory staff.
May assist with training new staff or students in blood collection or specimen processing.
Participate in quality improvement activities and work with a supervisor on a professional development plan.
Attend educational in-services and training for computer systems used in patient registration and referral testing.
Perform other duties as required.
For clinic-based roles, review requisitions, appropriately order tests, and follow up on incomplete information or questionable orders.
For clinic-based roles, instruct patients and outreach clients on non-blood specimen collection as needed; maintain standing-order files and schedule or arrive laboratory appointments as applicable.
For clinic-based roles, prepare and triage specimens for the appropriate testing facility and obtain Medicare coverage waivers when applicable.
For hospital-based roles, maintain computerized WOW carts and ensure they are charged and operational.
For hospital-based roles, maintain phone availability for emergent collections and work with clinical staff to maintain computerized records and resolve outstanding specimen or collection issues.