Job Requirements
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the direction of the laboratory manager and designated supervisory staff, the laboratory technical
assistant performs a variety of technical functions including phlebotomy and accessioning in support of
diagnostic testing for patient care.
The following job description covers the most significant duties performed, but does not exclude other work assignments not mentioned
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Principal Duties:
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Greets patients, verifies patient identity by standard protocol, and collects blood specimens using a variety of techniques (venipuncture, heelsticks, fingerstick). Assures timely and accurate collection of blood specimens.
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Performs complication-free venipunctures obtaining high quality specimens for laboratory testing through accurate selection of collection tubes and correct technique; demonstrates good judgment in the selection of the collection procedure/site.
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Follows phlebotomy and department policies and procedures; documents collected, unable, unavailable, and cancelled orders accurately according to department protocol.
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Assures that all specimens are delivered in a timely manner to the laboratory for testing.
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Provides training in phlebotomy techniques to students, laboratory employees, or other designated personnel as required.
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Maintains adequate levels of phlebotomy supplies to perform collection procedures. Maintains phlebotomy tray and working area in an organized, sanitary condition at all times.
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Verify registration and prescription lab orders on outpatients; draw outpatients including glucose tolerance tests.
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Perform order entry, add on, receipt, and other required functions in the Lab Information System.
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Process, label, and centrifuge STAT and routine samples and deliver to appropriate laboratory section for manual or automated processing.
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Ascertain appropriateness of barcode labeling for automation system; correct problems with barcode labels prior to placement on the system.
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Receive, aliquot, process, and store reference laboratory samples appropriately for courier pick-up.
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Notify authorized personnel of specimen errors (labeling, QNS, etc.) which prevent sample processing.
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Document all quality occurrences according to the Quality Plan of the Department.
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Prioritize the processing of specimens according to laboratory policy and place appropriate alert labels i.e. STAT specimens.
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Handle telephone, fax and other inquiries concerning laboratory results, status of specimens, specimen requirements, and general laboratory requests.
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Generate required copies of all clinical laboratory results on client request including report distribution, autofaxing, manual faxing, and mailing of results.
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Ensure that all laboratory phlebotomy and processing labels/documents are retained as required.
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Perform DOP Cerner functions as required.
Customer Service:
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Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.
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Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as “How may I be of help to you?” using the customer’s name as soon as it is learned.
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Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.
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Keeps customer’s information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.
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Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.
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Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer’s expectations have not been met.
Commitment to Co-Workers:
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Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.
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Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.
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Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.
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Mindful and respectful of others’ time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.
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Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department
Communication Etiquette:
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Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility’s service communication protocol in all interactions.
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Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.
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Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).
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Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).
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Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.
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Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.
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Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).
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Always mindful of voice and language in public.
Self-Management:
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Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital’s dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.
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Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.
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Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.
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Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.
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Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.
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Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.
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Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.
Work Experience
Licensure/Certification/Registration
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Certification as a phlebotomist is preferred.
Education/Knowledge
Attained Level: Entry level
Preferred:
Completed Coursework/Program: Formal training in phlebotomy such as medical assistant program or on-the job hospital-based training with competencies assessed by the department.
Applicable Experience
Experience (years): Required: Less than one year; Preferred: 1 - 3 years
Experience (describe required & preferred): At least six months of experience as a phlebotomist preferably
including laboratory accessioning experience
