Laboratory Assistant/ Specimen Processor

Is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the Accessioning Department. a.

Answers pneumatic tube station and promptly handles receiving in of specimens, centrifugation of specimens, and distribution of specimens to the various departments. b.

Receives specimens dropped off to the lab throughout the shift and processes those specimens (logs them into system, distributes to appropriate department.) c.

Loads DxA appropriately and manages system alerts. d.

Completes drop-off process, insuring registration is complete and accurate testing is ordered in system correctly, and all send outs are stored properly. e.

Processes all send-out tests, ensuring correct specimen type, adequate volume, proper storage, ordering and packaging and accurate/timely completion of the batch list for LabCorp (interfaced tests.) f.

Maintains the specimen and reference lab problem log, following through on issues thoroughly and in a timely manner.

Keeps supervisor informed of any trends noted, and feedback from offices. g.

Maintains adequate supplies for accessioning and send-out testing, and fills/completes requests for supplies from various offices in a timely manner. h.

Enters lab miscellaneous orders in and verifies that information is complete for billing. i.

Answers phones promptly and attends to callers’ needs in a professional manner. j.

Assists with storage tracking, add-ons, and cancelling of tests, utilizes computers and internet access appropriately.

Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture, fingerstick, and heelstick) according to established procedures and utilizes computers as appropriate in completing assigned functions. a.

Performs venipuncture using correct technique and with minimal discomfort to the patient. b.

Performs fingerstick procedures with correct technique and when unable to obtain specimen by venipuncture. c.

Performs heelstick on babies with correct technique. d.

Performs bleeding times according to procedure. e.

Performs proper hand hygiene (i.e. soap and water, or hand sanitizer) before AND after patient contact. f.

Verifies all information for accuracy and performs order entry with no errors. g.

Generates collection lists and can add on or cancel tests properly.

Identifies patients and properly labels specimen tubes. a.

Identifies inpatient by checking name and hospital medical record number or date of birth on patient armband and comparing this information to the LIS labels. b.

Identifies outpatient by asking the patient to state their first and last name, and their date of birth and comparing this information to the registration face sheet, wristband, and LIS labels. c.

Uses handheld device to scan wristband, print labels, and scan labeled specimens in to the system at the patient's chairside/bedside. d.

Orders are checked to the printed specimen labels to ensure all tests are ordered and correct (i.e. a checkmark is placed next to each test on the order requisition). e.

Labels all specimen tubes following established procedure: LIS barcode label, date and time of draw, and phlebotomist initials.

Responsibly follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens. a.

Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment. b.

Ensures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures. c.

Attends annual education programs. d.

Wears clean gloves when drawing all patients. e.

Performs proper hand hygiene before and after contact with patients, following glove removal and prior to leaving the department. f.

Disposes of needles in biohazard sharps containers. g.

Cell phones and electronic devices are stored in employee's locker and not out in working/testing areas.

Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment. a.

Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by the supervisor and peers. b.

Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner, as measured by management observation and peer input. c.

Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations. d.

Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues. e.

Conducts all work activities with respect for the rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families, and fellow employees. f.

Maintains confidentiality of all hospital and patient information at all times, as observed by peers and management. g.

Presents neat appearance in proper attire and identification, as required by the position, department, and policy. h.

Continuously displays a "can do" attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place. i.

Using department-specific scripting/AIDET, will answer any ringing telephone within three rings, and greets all patients/customers/employees appropriately.

Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intradepartmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives. a.

Participates in staff meetings as determined by the Technical Director/Asst.

Director, reads and signs minutes within 5 days for all staff meetings not attended. b.

Leads and/or contributes to lean process improvement in the laboratory. c.

Supports the hospital's mission, policies, and procedures through attendance and participation at committee meetings, if applicable. d.

Promotes The Fisher-Titus Way philosophy: Quality, Perfection of Care, Exceeding Expectations, Delivering Value. e.

Actively participates in the daily Team Huddle. f.

Will lead shift change huddle, give report, review and sign pending logs with oncoming shift. g.

Utilizes automated system to communicate inter- and intra- departmentally, as appropriate. h.

Utilizes communication boards within department to communicate issues, updates, breaks, phone extensions, etc. i.

Carries portable phone at all times. j.

Will access and respond to e-mail messages in a timely manner. k.

Completes work assignments on time/readily accepts assignments, as observed by the supervisor. m.

Assists in accessioning with pneumatic tube system, answering phones, processing send-outs, storage tracking, and entering miscellaneous lab orders.

Will act as a receptionist, greet patients, and answer phones in the outpatient lab when required. a.

Is courteous and friendly to patients. b.

Answers phones in a prompt and courteous manner and by stating name. c.

Assists with ordering testing. d.

Calls/faxes/delivers results/reports to appropriate offices. e.

Critical values are called to the appropriate personnel and documented. f.

Will respond to and document appropriately in the Emanate electronic temperature monitoring system.

Is responsible for the daily cleaning of equipment and maintaining neatness throughout the department. a.

Keeps phlebotomy tray/cart neat and checks periodically for any outdated tubes/supplies. b.

Will replenish phlebotomy tray/cart/side tables upon completion of shift. c.

Will ensure that all safety and waste containers are disposed of properly. d.

Maintain stock in phlebotomy room and keep phlebotomy room and storage room neat at all times, and will communicate the need for additional supplies.

Performs daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed, maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate.

Performs calibration of equipment as required. a.

Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment. b.

Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents. c.

Documents calibration of equipment. d.

Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed, and will communicate the need for additional supplies/reagents/stock as appropriate. e.

Records daily temperatures (refrigerators, freezers, room temp, etc.) and utilizes Emanate monitoring system properly documenting according to procedure.

Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents, and patient specimen's when problems occur.

Follows chain of command if unable to solve the problem. a.

Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures. b.

Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems. c.

Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.