Phlebotomist - Laboratory
- GENERAL SUMMARY
- Clinical Responsibilities: Perform venipunctures and skin punctures competently and expediently; enters or retrieves test orders in the laboratory information system; instructs patients on how to properly collect urine and other specimens; processes specimens for testing in-house and for reference lab testing. Other responsibilities include phone calls, result query, printing/faxing, and assist with other laboratory related duties as assigned.
- FUNCTIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Phlebotomy
- Understands process to identify test requirements.
- Uses laboratory information system for test ordering.
- Verifies information and tests ordered via the information system against requisitions, and clarifies questions with provider's offices or nursing departments when necessary.
- Has working knowledge of standing order process.
- Adjusts approach to patients and families in accordance with age group.
- Consistently draws blood competently and expediently with as little patient discomfort as possible.
- Is able to obtain blood samples from patients of all ages whether outpatient or inpatient.
- Supports and reassures patients during procedures.
- Follows lab procedure for patient identification and labels samples accurately.
- Uses a combination of verbal communication with inpatients along with the mobile laboratory information system barcode device, to retrieve orders and print labels at the patient bedside, ensures positive patient identification.
- Prioritizes STAT orders, scheduled orders, and outpatients.
- Accurately and expediently processes specimens delivered to the lab.
- Assists in training new phlebotomists/aides, as assigned by Supervisor or Director.
- Lab Aide:
- Assists Medical Technologists as necessary.
- Knows how to print patient demographic sheets to send to reference lab when required.
- Processes specimens for reference labs.
- Understands the different tubes and labeling requirements for each reference lab.
- Knows how to complete paperwork for each reference lab.
- Knows how to determine specimen requirements for tests sent to each reference lab.
- Bags and stores specimens at appropriate temperatures for reference lab tests.
- Has specimens ready for courier pickup at scheduled times.
- Maintains training for IATA Specimen packaging and shipping.
- Clerical / Administrative:
- Answers phone calls professionally and politely.
- Knows how to place calls on hold and transfer calls as necessary.
- Understands when to answer questions and when to refer callers to a technologist or supervisor.
- Uses laboratory information system for result query and report printing.
- Knows how to use the hospital information system to fax results.
- Requests supplies when low.
- Understands which patient services are to be charged venipuncture charge.
- Reviews requisitions for order entry accuracy, following established protocol.
- Safety, Quality Control & Compliance:
- Adheres to current documentation standards and policies.
- Releases results only to authorized individuals.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Follows standard precautions at all times.
- Discards sharps into a rigid sharps container.
- Uses personal protective equipment appropriately and when needed.
- Phlebotomy
- POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
- Prior phlebotomy experience or completion of approved phlebotomy program required
- Experience
- Education
- High School graduate or equivalent
- 12-18 months experience
- Phlebotomy or Medical Assistant certificate preferred
- BLS Certification (obtained within 3 months of hire.)
- Knowledge / Skills / Abilities