Phlebotomy Technician

Mercyhealth•Woodstock, IL

25d

About The Position

The Phlebotomy Technician collects, labels, processes, and transports blood and other patient specimens while ensuring accurate patient identification, specimen integrity, and compliance with safety and infection-control protocols. The role also supports patient registration, laboratory order entry, specimen accessioning and handling, and timely delivery of samples, while providing professional patient care and assisting with daily laboratory operations. The position is PRN, with variable hours as needed, and requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The technician may perform phlebotomy and other specimen collections across patient populations and settings, including client sites, patient homes, and facilities. Duties may include waived testing and, depending on location or supervisor direction, additional testing and electrocardiogram procedures. The role also contributes to supply management, quality-control activities, training and mentorship, and continuous improvement within the phlebotomy department.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Successful completion of a phlebotomy course or previous phlebotomy experience preferred.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to accurately identify patients and specimens, follow collection and specimen-handling procedures, and adhere to safety and infection-control protocols.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy certification preferred.
Experience as a Paramedic, EMT, CNA, or MA is helpful.

Responsibilities

Use the Hospital Information System (HIS) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to release orders, register patients, enter orders, and document results as needed.
Register patients; collect payments; enter demographic and insurance information; and support efficient sample processing.
Transfer test requests from scripts, requisitions, and verbal orders into the HIS and laboratory computer systems.
Answer and screen telephone calls professionally; resolve unclear or unusual test orders by contacting the relevant physician, nurse, or reference laboratory, documenting actions, and referring unresolved issues to a supervisor.
Generate lists and labels, run daily reports, review the order monitor, and investigate collection summary reports.
Assess orders for special collection requirements, patient preparation, and the appropriate order of draw.
Identify patients using two identifiers and perform phlebotomy to obtain blood specimens.
Follow safety protocols and infection-control practices; assess patient responses, adjust procedures as indicated, and obtain medical or supervisory assistance when necessary.
Label specimens accurately with patient name, date of birth, collection date and time, and collector code; maintain specimen integrity using aseptic technique and appropriate procedures.
Collect other specimens as indicated, including throat and MRSA swabs, urine samples, heel and finger sticks, blood cultures, and blood bank specimens.
At the specified RMH location, perform arterial punctures to obtain blood specimens from adults, including the appropriate collection charge.
Perform glucose tolerance and hormone stimulation collections at specified time intervals and prepare patients accurately.
Collect research program, Lab One, and special collection kit specimens; instruct patients on collecting and handling specimens themselves.
Perform specialized collections, including breath alcohol testing and random, pre-employment, and legal urine drug screens.
Receive and accession specimens in the LIS, assess testing acceptability, centrifuge and aliquot as needed, and deliver specimens to the appropriate laboratory section or prepare them for courier pickup.
Notify testing personnel of stat requests; accept, sort, and receive samples from internal and external customers; resolve identification or requisition issues; and package and track specimens sent to reference laboratories.
Apply working knowledge of insurance processes for reference laboratories and general registration and billing rules, including correct use of collection dates.
Drive a laboratory personal vehicle to client sites, patient homes, or facilities; collect specimens accurately and transport them properly to the laboratory.
Ensure samples are received by the laboratory and perform limited waived testing, including blood glucose monitoring, according to established procedures.
At the supervisor’s discretion, perform rapid flu and strep tests, mono testing, pregnancy testing, and dipstick urinalysis according to established procedures.
Perform quality-control procedures and proficiency testing accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
Communicate critical results to the appropriate licensed caregiver and chart reports as needed; at legacy Rockford locations, communicate critical results to authorized personnel.
Depending on location, perform ten-lead and pediatric electrocardiogram tracings.
Perform result entry in the LIS, temperature checks, and cleaning and checking of laboratory glassware.
Assist with inventory and supply maintenance; submit supply orders, receive and stock supplies, and fill supply requests from clients and providers.
Assist with new-partner orientation and training, coach colleagues in customer service, verify competence before release from training, provide input for performance evaluations, and mentor phlebotomy staff as needed.
Work collaboratively with the supervisor to support adequate staffing and skill mix.
Evaluate new products as needed and provide written documentation of evaluation activities required by regulatory agencies.
Demonstrate strong phlebotomy skills across patient types and serve as a resource to the phlebotomy team.
Take ownership of the department, identify improvement opportunities, make suggestions to the Phlebotomy Supervisor, and resolve issues.