Lab Support Tech

Job Summary

The Laboratory Support Technician assists in providing patient care by performing phlebotomy, clerical, and central processing duties. This role is responsible for accurate specimen collection, processing, and delivery while ensuring high-quality patient service and adherence to regulatory and organizational standards.

Essential Functions

1. Standards of Behavior

• Demonstrates AIDET communication with patients, families, and staff.
• Upholds organizational Standards of Behavior, including professionalism, communication, safety awareness, responsiveness, and accountability.
• Promotes a positive patient and customer experience through respectful and timely interactions.

2. Compliance and Professional Development

• Adheres to all organizational, departmental, and regulatory policies and procedures.
• Participates in staff meetings, in-services, and required training.
• Maintains current knowledge of laboratory practices through continuing education.
• Supports Vista Health strategic initiatives and operational changes.
• Completes required competencies and annual education in a timely manner.

3. Specimen Collection and Handling

• Collects patient blood specimens via venipuncture and/or capillary puncture while ensuring proper patient identification and specimen integrity.
• Receives, prepares, and transports specimens to the appropriate laboratory areas in a timely manner.
• Evaluates specimen acceptability and reports discrepancies or non-conformances.
• Handles and processes specimens safely in accordance with infection control and departmental guidelines.
• Utilizes good organizational practices to ensure timely specimen delivery and accurate results.

4. Reference Laboratory Processing

• Assists in processing specimens and requisitions for referral testing under the direction of technical staff.
• Prepares specimens according to reference laboratory requirements and maintains accurate identification throughout the process.
• Stores specimens at appropriate temperatures and maintains required documentation.
• Utilizes laboratory systems (LIS, HIS, and reference lab systems) for tracking and processing.

5. Clerical and Administrative Duties

• Answers incoming laboratory calls and assists customers promptly and professionally.
• Retrieves and distributes laboratory results.
• Reconciles orders in the hospital information system and assists with order entry as needed.
• Maintains records of reference testing and follows up on delayed results.
• Performs general maintenance tasks within the laboratory information system.

6. Inventory and Supply Management

• Monitors inventory levels and orders supplies as needed.
• Receives, stocks, and rotates supplies appropriately.

7. Equipment and Work Area Maintenance

• Performs basic preventative maintenance and temperature monitoring of equipment.
• Maintains cleanliness of phlebotomy trays and work areas.
• Assists with reference lab billing reconciliation.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Performs all duties in a safe manner to prevent injury.
• Assists with training and competency validation of staff.
• Participates in special projects as assigned.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient and organizational information.
• Demonstrates adaptability and responsiveness to change.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Interactions

Internal: Nursing staff, laboratory personnel, and other hospital departments.
External: Patients, families, physicians, and physician office staff.

Equipment Used

• Phlebotomy and laboratory equipment
• Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Hospital Information System (HIS)
• Computer, telephone, fax machine, and copier

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting.
• Occasional bending, lifting, pushing, and carrying (up to and over 50 lbs).
• Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases.
• May handle emergency or crisis situations.
• May work irregular hours and be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Phlebotomy experience or certification preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Knowledge of laboratory and medical terminology preferred.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced, interruption-prone environment.

Patient Population Served

• All age groups (neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric).

Additional Requirements

• Travel to other Vista Health locations may be required.
• Availability for call-in support as needed.

Certification / Licensure

• Phlebotomy certification preferred.

Disclaimer

This job description is not a contract of employment. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, and additional duties may be assigned as needed.