Medical Laboratory Assistant

General Summary of Position

Responsible for obtaining, collecting, receiving, logging and processing patient specimens. Assures accuracy of collection and labeling, processes specimens appropriately and send specimens to appropriate section.

These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Greets each patient and family member(s) in a courteous manner. Educates patient and family member(s) about the procedure to be performed.

Performs correct patient identification for accurate labeling, collection, and processing of laboratory specimens. Performs all specimen collection techniques (venipuncture, fingerstick) accurately and according to all SOP's.

Labels all patient specimens and barcode order requisitions with initials, time drawn, and verifies orders in the computer system upon arrival in the laboratory.

Provides nursing personnel and physician offices with verbal test results and pathology reports, referring any problems directly to the Supervisor.

Mails and faxes laboratory reports to physician offices as necessary.

Keeps laboratory reports filed and up to date by making every effort to complete the filing generated on his / her shift, is able to locate and retrieve information from the files as requested.

Communicates daily request for courier service for PKU specimen transport via internet order placement process. Performs weekly quality control of laboratory eyewash stations, as assigned.

• Adheres to all safety protocols including standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and other infection control policies.
• Is able to work efficiently and organize work during heavy workload situations to expedite patient results. Follows correct procedures for blood culture collection and maintains a
• Receives specimens for tests, verifies label accuracy, procedure(s) to be performed and testing requirements, determines sufficiency and quality of specimen, logs in specimen and appropriately processes same for delivery to appropriate section of lab.
• Completes the specimen processing tasks without supervisor review and / or director review unless specified and documented in the competency assessment or testing procedure.

Enters data into computer concerning time of collection and receipt, procedure and patient identity, and any other information, as required.

Completes patient registrations and enters orders, as required. Notifies supervisor, or appropriate laboratory or nursing unit personnel when specimens are damaged, contaminated or otherwise unsuitable for all tests to be performed and arranges for tests that could be performed with specimen or new specimen, as appropriate.

Prioritizes specimens and transports them promptly to the respective lab section. Interacts with medical personnel and contractors to answer routine queries, and to obtain or clarify information.

Maintains a safe and orderly work environment and follows all safety and regulatory procedures for the assigned laboratory.

Performs and maintains preventative maintenance of equipment

Greets all visitors to the Laboratory in a prompt, and professional manner, displaying good customer service skills.Responds to all inquiries (in person or over the telephone) from hospital or medical personnel, referring non-routine questions to appropriate person or supervisor.

Demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of both the Hospital and Laboratory information systems and computers.

Identifies learning needs in self and initiates actions to address these education needs. Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by the department.

Completes all mandatory requirements, certifications, and licensure within allotted timeframe for completion (PPD, Competencies, Age Specifics,

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required and
• Completion of Phlebotomy coursework required

Experience

Previous experience in high volume outpatient lab or inpatient setting preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification Certification in Phlebotomy preferred and
• Certified Medical Lab Scientist-ASCP ASCP or equivalent MLA Certification preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Moderate Computer skills to perform Data entry and specimen verification
• Experience with computerized laboratory information systems
• HIPAA policies on Confidentiality

This position has a hiring range of $21.08 - $31.37