Assistant, Laboratory

Job Summary

Performs phlebotomy functions and non-technical duties in areas including the hospital laboratory, outpatient, and off‑site services.

• Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture, finger stick, and heel stick) according to established procedure.
• Performs venipuncture using correct technique and with minimal discomfort to the patient.
• Performs finger stick procedures with correct technique and when unable to obtain specimen by venipuncture.
• Performs heel stick on babies with correct technique.
• Identifies patients and properly labels specimen tubes.
• Identifies patient by checking name and date of birth (and hospital medical record number for blood bank specimens) on patient armband.
• Labels all specimen tubes following established procedure, date and time of draw, and phlebotomist initials.
• Determines priority of STAT draws and ensures timely transport of all patient specimens to the lab for testing.
• Prioritizes STAT requests and draws STATs within 10–15 minutes of request.
• Draws severe trauma and/or disaster patients immediately; transports STATs to the lab on a priority basis immediately for serious cases, within 15 minutes of draw for other STATs, and hourly for routine draws.
• Utilizes computers as appropriate in completing assigned functions.
• Registers patients in the system, completing all required fields with correct information.
• Verifies all information for accuracy.
• Performs order entry with no errors.
• Generates collection lists, NCC list, and can add on or cancel tests.
• Organizes assigned work and accurately completes workload.
• Helps co‑workers when needed and communicates with laboratory departments to ensure an orderly workflow.
• Assists co‑workers with blood‑drawing procedures on morning rounds before returning to the phlebotomy station.
• Informs floors of missed patients or patients not drawn for any reason at the time of attempt.
• Informs supervisor of problems in obtaining specimens for any reason.
• Under supervision assists in training new employees and student interns in the performance of phlebotomy duties.
• Works with new employees to assist in training of departmental procedures.
• Acts as a resource to new employees.
• Follows all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attends all required safety training programs and can describe responsibilities related to general safety, departmental/service safety, and specific job‑related hazards.
• Attends all required safety education programs and provides complete and accurate responses to safety questions.
• Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards.
• Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.
• Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.
• Responsibly follows the hospital exposure control plans for blood‑borne and airborne pathogens.
• Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment.
• Ensures a safe environment by instituting appropriate control measures.
• Attends annual education programs.

• Wears clean gloves when drawing all patients.
• Disposes of needles in a special container in the phlebotomy basket or in the needle box in the patient room.
• Throws used gloves in a biohazard container only.
• Follows procedures for safety dress.
• Readily accepts changes in assignment and performs work at an equal level of skill and responsibility as needed. May also perform work at a higher level in preparation for increased responsibility or may be required to perform work at a lower level when the department workload so requires.
• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Interacts with all of the above in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by the supervisor and peers.
• Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner, as measured by management observation and peer input, and maintains open communication using the appropriate chain of command regarding issues.
• Conducts all work activities with respect for the…