About this role
The Lab Assistant puts patients at ease with a pleasant and professional manner while obtaining specimens for lab processing. He/she is responsible for preparing specimens for transport to the main laboratory and the reference laboratories and performing proper requisition processes within EMR and LIS.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Understands all specimen requirements and can perform phlebotomy for both adult patients and pediatric patients
• Always identify patients with two unique identifiers
• Understands LIS and EMR systems to accession and process all lab samples, including outside orders
• Transfer orders from EMR to LIS and enter appropriate information
• Knows and instructs patients on proper procedure for urine/stool/sputum collection
• Knows what vacutainer tubes to draw for which tests and ensures that all specimens are labeled properly
• Checks send-out log to be sure all reports have been received, call performing lab if copies of report still pending
• Ensures all supply levels are maintained and adequate
• Orders supplies as instructed by supervisor
• Performs other clinical or administrative office tasks as necessary (if applicable to site)
• Prepares samples for transport and knows all specimen processing procedures
• Adheres to site-specific workflows
• Keeps work area clean, stocked and organized
• Packages Biohazardous Waste to prepare for scheduled pick up
• Understands and can perform all POCT including Quick Strep, Urine hCG, Urine Dip, Quick Flu, Occult Blood, and Urine Drug Screen
• Perform and document QC when necessary
• Knows and abides by personnel policies and procedures
• Maintains excellent customer service with patients, staff, and physicians
• Assists in training new employees as directed
• Work on quality improvement initiatives with manager, as directed
• Follows all OSHA and CLIA regulations as applied to InterMed
• Performs and documents on OSHA Log:
• Disinfect counters with 10% bleach daily
• Disinfect phlebotomy chairs/area with 10% bleach daily
• Check surrounding offices for samples daily
• Empty Confidential Trash daily
• Clean Centrifuge weekly
• Disinfect large waste buckets weekly
• Change sharps containers as needed
• Monitor and document temperatures
• As directed, consistently performs all the following tasks:
• “Scanned Lab Composite” workflow daily
• Scrub lab schedules to check for orders ahead of appointment times
• Perform “no-show” workflow from lab schedules
• Ability to work in the processing area independently and without performance concerns
• Audits the POCT office logs
• If applicable, assists the technologists in the following areas:
• Understands and can plant all in-house cultures, including urine cultures, strep cultures (throat and vaginal)
• Builds and checks Micro work lists for Urine Cultures, Strep Cultures, and Vaginal Cultures
• Disassembles and cleans urinalysis analyzer daily
• Orders processing supplies as needed from various vendors and companies
• Processing and distributing sample to the appropriate performing departments
• Performing QC on waived platforms
• Processing urine samples on the automated platform and prepare for microscopic examination
• Plating microbiology cultures
• Capping and storing samples
• Processing Urgent Care samples STAT
• Any additional projects within the scope of position, as directed
JOB RESPONSIBILTIES:
• Successful completion of a phlebotomy or lab assistant training course required
• 1 year of phlebotomy experience with all types of patients and processing preferred
• Excellent professional judgment, phone skills and decision-making ability
• Must be able to implement universal precautions always
• Ability to calm anxious patients
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Ability to multi-task with little to no guidance
• Concern for order, quality, and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize, organize and plan work independently
• Flexible as assignments and locations change
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Perform the N-95 Fit testing, unless medically excused