Lab Asst Donor Center

Lab Assistant

The Lab Assistant receives and processes all incoming specimens to prepare them for technical assay, ensures the specimens are handled safely to reduce cross contamination, pour-off errors, mislabeling, and missed tests. The Lab Assistant is responsible for ensuring that specimens are stored under proper conditions for optimal results. The Lab Assistant delivers prepared specimens to appropriate areas in a timely manner.

The Lab Assistant is responsible for the skillful procurement of blood samples for all age groups, using knowledge of blood collection devices, order of draw, techniques, age specific needs and human anatomy. The Lab Assistant also performs the pre-analytical duties associated with accessioning incoming specimens into the lab computer system and evaluating specimen identification and integrity. The Lab Assistant answers incoming phone calls to the lab, providing information on specimen collection, preservation, test orders and status to other hospital staff members.

Other duties may be assigned.

· Demonstrates skillful, courteous competency in procedures for blood sample collection, selecting the best equipment and site for the tests requested. Serves as an expert venipuncture resource for difficult sticks which can't be drawn by nursing staff.

· Evaluates specimen integrity for samples collected by lab staff, nursing, or medical staff, knowing whether a specimen is acceptable for the test requested. Understands process and reasons for specimen rejection, demonstrating good customer service skills and confidence when advising patients, nurses and medical staff of news they do not want to hear.

· Along with other lab assistants, answers 100% of phone calls coming into the laboratory, able to respond to over 50% of the requests personally. Communicates with patients, guests, medical staff, and other hospital staff in a courteous, professional and skillful manner, Uses phone system and other communication tools to transfer calls, take messages, and locate the proper person to take care of any problem which the individual can't provide himself.

· Responds to inquiries from medical staff and nurses, providing accurate information and instructions regarding proper specimen collection, containers, quantities, stability and specimen preservation for blood, urine, body fluid and other biological specimens for general laboratory, microbiology and pathology samples. Uses resources to investigate special requests, determining the specific test code and specimen requirements for orders written in non-standard format. Provides assistance to hospital employees regarding test orders, test synonyms, profile components and computer ordering processes utilized by nursing, unit secretaries and physicians.

Resolves 'Unlisted Labs' with a high degree of accuracy.

· Knows the correct procedures for handling samples to maintain integrity, being aware of limitations of various specimen types, test requirements, containers and storage conditions. Is able to demonstrate how safety separate blood cells from plasma and knows when it is required and when it can destroy the specimen. Handles specimens safely to maintain sterility and reduce cross contamination, pour-off errors, and exposures.

· Proficiently uses multiple computer systems and reference resources including, Pathnet, Quest
360, using accurate keyboarding and computer skills. Carefully performs duties, ensuring that specimens receive the proper testing required without being lost or compromised;
Utilizes Power chart to view orders, place orders, and investigate the status of samples. Performs patient registration and test selection/order entry with a high degree of speed and accuracy utilizing many different requisitions, clients, and internal or reference lab computer systems.

· Manages blood collection requests to ensure that all collections are completed systematically, efficiently and within time constraints, consolidating requests from multiple physicians to avoid multiple venipunctures of patients. Completes collections on schedule to enhance physician and nursing satisfaction as well as patient care.

· Can accurately describe and…