Phlebotomist/Specimen Processor

Job Summary

Obtains blood specimens from patients, in accordance with established procedures, while maintaining a professional, customer sensitive atmosphere. Responsible for up-front specimen handling and facilitating the workflow in and out of the laboratory, performing various clerical and preprocessing duties, and interacting with others using a variety of communication tools. Performs pre-analytical phase of specimen preparation and must handle biohazardous and infectious material while following proper safety precautions. Works cooperatively with all hospital and laboratory staff, and external clients through verbal and written communications in order to resolve problems, exchange information, receive instructions, establish protocols, and process information concerning patient specimens. Responsible for the accurate pre-analytical processing of laboratory specimens and ensuring delivery of those specimens to the appropriate laboratory section. Also responsible for assisting client services and technical associates in resolving specimen quality and integrity concerns.

Essential Duties

• Follows established hospital and departmental precautions and procedures in the performance of all job duties to ensure a safe work environment for patients and others.
• Demonstrates appropriate hand hygiene and use of two patient identifiers.
• Demonstrates effective communication hand offs between providers, shifts, departments, etc.
• Demonstrates use of proper precautions including use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Obtains blood specimens from patients, in accordance with established procedures, while maintaining a professional, customer sensitive atmosphere.
• Demonstrates workflow and procedure knowledge with management, co-workers, new employees, inspectors, and visitors.
• Receives direction from the management team, which may consist of the administrator, coordinator, manager, supervisor, or work unit lead.
• Attends and participates in classes, meetings, committees, and other continuing education as appropriate to maintain and enhance professional job knowledge and/or job skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Verifies that correct specimen and labeling requirements are met for test orders.
• Correctly and accurately registers and labels tubes as appropriate.
• Centrifuges and aliquots specimens according to department policy.
• Sorts, stores, and delivers laboratory specimens by department and specimen requirements, as appropriate.
• Works with medical technologists and client services to resolve specimen problems.
• Answers telephones and provides assistance as needed.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or Equivalent required. Experience in a hospital Laboratory 3-5 years preferred. Internship or equivalent 0-1 year required. Phlebotomy Technician (PT) [PBT(ASCP)] certification preferred. Must demonstrate annual CAP competencies in any area that they work.