Phlebotomist

Job Summary

To perform venipuncture/capillary puncture for blood specimen collection on all neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients while presenting an appearance and degree of skill which fosters user confidence in our entire lab. To perform point of care testing and collect non-blood specimens as instructed. To assist the Lead Phlebotomist with the technical and administrative management of specimen procurement and processing services.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent 
Minimum Years of Experience: 1 Year of Experience
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): 1 Year of Experience may be substituted for one of the following:
Completion of a formal training program in Phlebotomy, Medical Assistant, or other applicable area;
Completion of Lexington Medical Center Phlebotomy Apprenticeship
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: None

Essential Functions

• Knowledge and Expertise:
  • Maintains a high level of skill in the performance of venipuncture/capillary puncture for bloodspecimen collection for laboratory analyses. Responsible for collection of blood specimens on difficult patients. Takes responsibility for recollecting patients that Level I and/or II techs are unable to procure in a positive and professional manner. Meets or exceeds all section productivity and specimen quality standards.
  • Demonstrates ability to perform procurement according to appropriate protocols and procedures for population groups from newborn to geriatric (over 65 years).
  • Performs waived, and moderate complexity point of care testing. Documents instrument and reagent QC, and performs preventative maintenance as required. 
  • Maintains knowledge and expertise in the collection of NP Washings/swabs, throat cultures, and other special specimen collections as trained and certified by supervisory authority.
  • Maintains current knowledge of and follows policies and procedures as pertains to the laboratory and the Laboratory Information System.  Maintains knowledge of the manual backup system.
  • Appropriately handles patient reception, test accessioning, telephone communications, and distribution of reports; works callback queue to ensure delivery of completed results to the ordering physician.
  • Assists in the development of procurement training curriculum, CE’s and QA projects. 
  • Responsible for training and orientation of new employees.
  • Handles patient reception, test accessioning, telephone communications, distribution of reports, and callback procedures.
  • Stays abreast of all policy and procedural changes, reads and signs off in a timely fashion. Encourages others to do so.
  • Attends continuing education programs and seminars as scheduling and budgeting permits in order to remain technically current.
  • Performs testing on proficiency testing samples and maintains records that demonstrates that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Productivity: 
  • Performs specimen collection as necessary to maintain optimal section workflow.
  • Seeks out and performs additional assignments during decreased workflow.
  • Assigns tasks as necessary to assure continuous, smooth section workflow.
  • Meets and/or exceeds section productivity and turnaround time standards.
• Communication Skills:
  • Capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance and reporting them to the general (section) supervisor, technical supervisor (Pathologist over sections), clinical consultant (pathologist), or pathologist director.
  • Distributes specimen collection supplies and instructs patients on proper specimen collection.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical/Administrative:
  • Responsible for proper storage and processing of specimens dispatched to approved reference labs (includes collection in proper container, addition of proper preservatives, and following “special handling” instructions).
  • Uses collection manager devices to ensure positive patient identification; troubleshoots device as needed.
  • Reads Sunquest mailboxes daily to ensure timely dissemination of information.
  • Maintains adequate phlebotomy supplies on their carts, and helps stock and maintain inventory; sanitizes work area.
  • Ensures completion of training checklist for all new employees through direct observation of skill; alerts section supervisor to any concerns encountered during training.
  • Works as charge tech for the shift and responsible for uninterrupted patient care and coordination of continuous workflow.
• General:
  • Works agreed scheduled hours and willingly works certain unfavorable shifts during times of short staffing/holidays. Participates in call schedule as needed.
  • Ensures appropriate AL notice is given in a timely manner. Approves time in Kronos at the end of each pay period.
  • Performs related and other duties as may be assigned by authorized personnel or as required in an emergency, e.g., fire or disaster.
  • Complies with all standard safety policies and procedures required by CLIA, CAP, JCAHO, FDA, DHEC and OSHA.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.