Laboratory Assistant

About This Role

Working as a Laboratory Assistant in a hospital setting, you will collect and process blood samples from patients of all ages, perform point-of-care testing, and respond to phone inquiries. This role suits a candidate who is highly skilled in phlebotomy and specimen processing, and able to work independently while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

• Collect blood from patients of all ages as required by physician orders, including difficult patients
• Accession lab orders as appropriate
• Process blood to prepare for testing in all laboratory areas
• Perform Point of Care testing
• Respond to phone inquiries in a timely manner and serve as a resource to others
• Know policies, procedures, and practices necessary to perform a variety of blood drawing procedures with a very high skill level using standard techniques and equipment
• Answer questions regarding specimen requirements and laboratory processes
• Research special tests and problems
• Know policies, procedures, and practices necessary to perform specimen processing duties (centrifugation, batching from offsite locations, aliquoting and special shipping as appropriate and maintaining specimen integrity through compliance with transport/storage requirements)
• Respond to requests for emergency service in a timely manner, manage multiple conflicting priorities, and direct others as needed
• Be aware of the role of the position and its potential impact on patient care, the work unit, the department, and facility operations
• Maintain excellent working relationships with coworkers within and outside of the laboratory
• Make decisions and establish priorities for specimen collection and processing based on established policies and procedures
• Work in an independent manner and function without supervision
• Maintain a clean workstation
• Manage inventory efficiently, being aware of levels and outdates of materials, rotating stock, and eliminating waste
• Demonstrate initial and annual competency in phlebotomy, specimen processing, and waived and moderate complexity testing as POC or in the Lab, including all computer related functions
• Train others in most functions of the job and develop advanced skills in others
• Perform and document various quality control and equipment maintenance procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations
• Know the regulations and explain the requirements to others
• Troubleshoot identified issues
• Organize workload to meet the needs of the institution
• Handle multiple priorities in a high volume setting within the assigned shift and according to required TAT
• Work independently and as part of a team to meet goals, directing others if needed