Lead Phlebotomist

Summary

Lead Phlebotomist coordinates the work of designated personnel in addition to fulfilling phlebotomy duties.

• Assist in coordinating shift staffing and make adjustments based on need, including initiating pulls and calling in additional coverage.
• Act as the technical expert in the area and be the first resource for all questions or problems, identifying and troubleshooting autonomously when required.
• Perform invasive procedures—venipuncture, micro‑capillary collections, central line draws (where applicable)—and other test procedures on patients of all ages, following exact protocols and procedures, including patient preparation and administration of glucose dosages.
• Work with phlebotomy supervisors to develop and implement best‑practice departmental workflows.
• Provide superior customer service by maintaining positive relations with patients during procedures, resolving exceptions, and communicating professionally with patients, physicians, nurses, and medical departments to help maintain laboratory market share.
• Accurately interpret physician orders to collect high‑quality specimens.
• Handle specimens: select the appropriate specimen type, ensure high‑quality and reliable results, distribute specimens timely, prepare esoteric specimens for shipment to reference laboratories, and maintain specimen integrity.
• Maintain proficiency and competency in all covered areas, including Emergency Department, Processing, Inpatient, and Outpatient phlebotomy.
• Follow patient registration procedures and strict identification policies.
• Demonstrate competency in Infection Prevention and Control practices, including hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment.
• Use the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Hospital Information System (HIS) to schedule workload, interpret test orders, retrieve billing information, assist with patient registration, and communicate results while maintaining confidentiality.
• Adhere to all laboratory policies, procedures, and regulations (Federal CLIA, CAP, OSHA), and maintain the confidentiality of all medical information.
• Manage patients ranging in age from birth to 100+ years and access the medication room for pneumatic tube station use when necessary.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Drivers License – eligible to drive company vehicle per medical center insurance guidelines.
• Fingerprinting – required.

High school diploma or equivalent (HIGH) – essential.

• Completion of a formal phlebotomy program (classroom and practical) or 3–4 years of phlebotomy experience, or equivalent education.
• Minimum six months of experience in a hospital laboratory.
• Ability to accept responsibility and demonstrate leadership qualities such as dependability, aptitude, experience, and competence.
• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Mandatory OSHA training, completed annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.
• Knowledge of specimen integrity guidelines, laboratory test and medical terminology, and current laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols preferred.

• Exposure to stressful situations, public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Personal protective equipment (including latex or substitutes) as required.
• Free movement throughout the facility without assisted device and ability to perform all job functions.
• Vision and hearing necessary, with or without assistive devices.
• Required to sit, stand, and walk for long periods; frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials; must follow My Michigan Health blood borne pathogen and TB testing requirements.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and stay alert.
• Dexterity required for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and repetitive movements; some repetitive movements may be frequent.
• Physical demand level:
  Light. May lift 11‑20 lbs. 0‑33 % of the workday; 10 lbs. 34‑66 % of the workday; frequent walking/standing/push/pull of arm/leg controls.

• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification preferred.