Phlebotomist

Job Summary:

Support the laboratory function of providing diagnostic information for use in patient care by ensuring proper collection and processing of laboratory specimens. Perform or assist with special procedures; mentor/orient students and new employees; ensure workflow meets service delivery needs. Respond effectively to member, clinicians, nursing staff and other department needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Perform order entry, specimen collection and processing according to Work Instructions (WI), clarify clinician orders; obtain pertinent patient information; accurately identify patients; determine specimen requirements and collect patient sample using appropriate process of venipuncture or capillary collection based on patient age and/or condition. Assure completeness and accuracy of specimen labeling. Obtain and enter appropriate patient or specimen information into laboratory computer system. Provide good customer service to all members.
• Prioritize workload according to urgency of request; coordinate activities of the Phlebotomy and Laboratory Service/Technical Assistant workgroups to meet operational service needs. Act as resource for medical or laboratory staff. Provide information and facilitate specimen or order problem investigation and resolution. Using appropriate resources, make decisions as required for sample collection and patient processing. Facilitate communication between Phlebotomists and Laboratory Service/Technical Assistants in problem solving and member assistance, triaging to supervisor as needed.
• Provide instructions to physicians, nursing staff and patients in proper specimen collection, answering related questions accurately. Evaluate, process and coordinate specimens for testing and/or shipping by following applicable WI. Centrifuge, aliquot, separate, refrigerate, freeze or handle specimens as required to maintain specimen integrity. Consult computer information for special handling instructions, referring questions to Client Services or technical specialist(s) for additional handling or shipping instructions when indicated. Complete appropriate forms as applicable.
• Use laboratory computer system to obtain patient demographics, perform order entry, enter pertinent clinical information, generate barcode labels and ensure tracking of each test ordered and each specimen collected and/or received. Print reports. Use laboratory information computer system to track specimens. Perform all duties required of Laboratory Service/Technical Assistant.
• Assist clinician or Pathologists with bone marrow collection and processing. Perform isolation procedures, bacterial, acid-fast and fungal blood cultures, blood smear preparation, microbiology set-up and Code 99 (Code Blue) response as required and ordered by clinician.
• Remain current in new and revised work instructions and lab and organizational policies. Periodically review procedure manuals, Quality System documents and organizational policies. Assist supervisor, coordinator or specialist in identifying and reporting any procedural discrepancies. Complete annual requirements (PPD, safety etc.). Provide input into development or revision of procedures to meet operational needs. Attend and participate in staff meetings. Support department workflow and records maintenance through accurate workload recording, quality assurance monitors, supply inventory, quality control checks and records.