Phlebotomist

Job Title:

Phlebotomist

Job Description

The phlebotomist plays a key role in supporting a high-volume clinical laboratory by performing blood draws and other specimen collections, ensuring accurate labeling and processing, troubleshooting workflow issues, and contributing to a smooth and efficient patient experience. This position requires strong technical phlebotomy skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while providing clear, courteous communication to patients and clinical staff.

Responsibilities

+ Perform venipuncture and blood draws using straight needles and butterfly needles, following established procedures and safety protocols.

+ Collect and store specimens, including blood, urine, and fecal samples, in accordance with laboratory standards and test requirements.

+ Explain the venipuncture and specimen collection process clearly and courteously to patients to ensure understanding and comfort.

+ Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes, verifying that all information is accurate and complete.

+ Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze specimens as required by specific test orders to maintain specimen integrity.

+ Check all test requisitions or computer-generated labels against orders or scripts to ensure 100% accuracy.

+ Package specimens for transport, following protocols for temperature, containers, and labeling to preserve specimen quality.

+ Store specimen samples at the required temperature and place them in appropriate collection containers or tubes according to protocol.

+ Follow detailed procedures for specimen handling and transport to maintain compliance with laboratory and regulatory standards.

+ Understand and fully interpret physicians orders related to laboratory testing and specimen collection.

+ Enter and update patient information and laboratory data accurately in electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

+ Record maintenance data and perform decontamination tasks as needed to support a clean and safe laboratory environment.

+ Answer telephone calls and communicate laboratory results as appropriate to satisfy inquiries from clinical staff.

+ Attend annual department trainings and remain current on OSHA and DEP regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.

+ Identify workflow issues and make recommendations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and patient throughput.

+ Provide excellent customer service to a high volume of patients, maintaining a professional and empathetic demeanor at all times.

Essential Skills

+ Valid phlebotomy certification for the state of employment, where required.

+ Minimum of 6 months of work experience performing venipunctures in a fast-paced laboratory or hospital setting.

+ High school diploma or GED.

+ 24 years of overall work experience in a clinical or related healthcare environment.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for basic documentation and communication tasks.

+ Demonstrated ability to perform blood draws and venipuncture safely and accurately.

+ Knowledge of different needle gauges and phlebotomy techniques.

+ Ability to enter data accurately and efficiently in various EMR systems.

+ Strong attention to detail in labeling, matching requisitions, and handling specimens.

+ Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to manage interactions with a high volume of patients.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in specimen collection across multiple specimen types (blood, urine, fecal) in a medical setting.

+ Experienced Phlebotomy Technician or Medical Assistant performing phlebotomy tasks.

+ Familiarity with centrifuging, splitting, and freezing specimens according to test protocols.

+ Understanding of OSHA and DEP regulations related to laboratory safety and specimen handling.

+ Comfort working in an emergency roomstyle environment with rapid patient turnover.

+ Ability to troubleshoot basic workflow issues and suggest practical improvements.

+ Strong verbal communication skills for explaining procedures and responding to inquiries.

+ Ability to remain calm, organized, and accurate under time pressure and high patient volume.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced clinical facility organized similarly to an emergency department, with more than 100 patients passing through daily. Phlebotomists work on-site at multiple locations, with schedules that may include Monday through Thursday shifts from midday to evening or traditional daytime hours, plus shorter Friday shifts. Some positions are…