Phlebotomist

SUMMARY: 

The Certified Phlebotomist registers patients and collects blood and urine specimens following proper and legal collection procedures. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ordering laboratory testing requested by physicians, forwarding test results to the appropriate areas and processing printed laboratory results. Basic Qualifications: High school diploma or GED, ability to perform venipuncture required, California Phlebotomy Technician License required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Register patients in the laboratory information system (LIS), if applicable.

a. Verify correct demographic and billing information.

b. Order laboratory testing requested by the patient’s physician.

c. Verify receipt of samples in the Laboratory including microbiology specimens.

d. Check the medical necessity of ordered tests for Out-Patients and generate an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN), if applicable.

2. Draw venous and capillary blood specimens from patients for laboratory testing

a. Select proper collection tubes required for each test

b. Utilize proper blood drawing techniques.

c. Properly label specimens for all types of orders.

d. Verify collection in the LIS.

e. Distribute specimens to Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) for testing. Notify CLS of any STAT testing.

3. Arterial specimen collection

a. Utilize proper technique.

b. Document patient’s correct oxygen level.

c. Verify collection in the LIS.

d. Notify CLS of specimen to be tested.

4. Process results for distribution that are printed in laboratory

a. Separate doctor’s and chart copies, if applicable.

b. Distribute chart copies to the proper area during downtime.

c. Fax results when requested and document in fax log, if applicable.

d. Mail results to doctors, if applicable.

5. Drug testing

a. Select proper drug screening form and accurately complete chain of custody form.

b. Collect urine specimen following legal collection procedures.

c. Log specimen in and forward to proper testing areas.

6. Customer Service

a. Greet patients in a friendly and professional manner

b. Answer phone calls and give information requested according to the hospital’s confidentiality procedures.

c. Assist patients when they are referred to another department for further services.

7. Reference Laboratory Testing

a. Order correct test in the LIS.

b. Collect specimen as required by reference laboratory.

c. Complete reference lab requisition, process specimen for send out, log specimen in send out log and put specimen in pickup area for courier.

d. Process results when received from reference lab.

8. Housekeeping and supplies

a. Maintain clean and sanitary working environment

b. Maintain adequate levels of supplies and notify manager if supplies need to be ordered.

9. Safety

a. Follow laboratory safety rules.

b. Use standard precautions appropriate to task being performed including personal protecting equipment

c. Knowledgeable of the facility’s fire, chemical, and disaster plans.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Other duties as assigned from time to time, including training of newly hired 

phlebotomists.

2. May be assigned to work at any of the Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District Out-Patient Clinics.

WORK HOURS:

May be assigned to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays; variable shifts (including nights) depending on department needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. High School Diploma
2. Ability to perform venipuncture required. 
3. Basic computer skills.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

1. California Phlebotomy Technician License (CPT I/II) 
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
3. DOT Drug Collection Training Certificate required (every 5 years)

AGE OF POPULATION SERVED:

Newborn Infant/Pediatric Adolescent Adult Geriatric All X No Patient Care