Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist

The phlebotomist plays a key role in collecting and processing patient specimens while supporting smooth laboratory workflow. This position focuses on performing blood draws and other specimen collections, ensuring accurate labeling and handling, troubleshooting routine issues, participating in training, and making recommendations to improve efficiency and quality in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform venipuncture and blood draws using straight needles and butterfly needles in a safe, accurate, and efficient manner.
• Collect and store blood, urine, fecal, and other specimens according to established procedures and protocol.
• Explain the venipuncture and specimen collection process clearly and courteously to patients to ensure understanding and comfort.
• Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes and verify that all information is complete and accurate.
• Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze specimens as required by specific test orders.
• Check all test requisitions or computer-generated labels against the script or order to ensure 100% accuracy.
• Package specimens for transport, following established procedures to maintain specimen integrity.
• Store specimens at the required temperature and place samples in the appropriate collection containers or tubes, accurately labeling each according to protocol.
• Follow different procedures outlined by specific protocols to ensure specimens are suitable for transport and testing.
• Record maintenance data and perform decontamination tasks in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Update patient information and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate in the appropriate systems.
• Understand and fully interpret physicians' orders related to laboratory testing and specimen collection.
• Answer telephone calls and read laboratory results to callers as appropriate to satisfy inquiries and support patient care.
• Comply with OSHA and DEP regulations and all relevant safety and infection control standards.
• Attend annual department trainings and remain current with procedural updates and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to troubleshooting specimen collection or processing issues and make workflow recommendations to improve efficiency and quality.

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.
• 2–4 years of overall experience in a medical or laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in phlebotomy techniques, including venipuncture and blood draws.
• Experience with specimen labeling, centrifuging, splitting, freezing, and packaging for transport.
• Ability to accurately match laboratory requisitions to specimen tubes and verify orders.
• Understanding of physicians' orders and laboratory testing requirements.
• Knowledge of OSHA and DEP regulations and adherence to safety and infection control standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for basic documentation and communication tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a medical laboratory or patient service center environment.
• Experience in sample processing, including handling blood, urine, fecal, and other specimen types.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining specimen integrity and accurate records.
• Clear and courteous communication skills for explaining procedures and responding to patient and provider inquiries.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical setting with multiple priorities.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and adapt to updated protocols and procedures.

Work Environment

This role is based in a patient service center focused on outpatient…