- Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material.
- Works in various areas of the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories.
- Duties may include registering patients, ordering tests, collecting samples, and assessing the acceptability of samples for testing.
- Processes samples for testing including centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping.
- Provides support for clinical testing including preparation of slides, loading instruments, and result reporting.
- May perform waived and point-of-care testing.
- Uphold the values of the organization including providing and demonstrating exemplary customer service skills throughout the pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical processes.
- Communicates with hospital nursing service, physicians, procurement agencies, and others regarding testing of laboratory specimens.
- Communicates any issues quickly and respectfully.
- Reviews patient information and test orders on paper requisitions and computerized test requests.
- Operates departmental computer programs to order laboratory tests appropriately; follows up on all specimens with incomplete information or questionable test orders.
- Reconciles outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures.
- Verifies complete courier delivery.
- Enters specimen tracking, laboratory data and patient information in the computer.
- Receives specimens appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Performs proper specimen registration and accessing in the computer, if necessary.
- Verifies and monitors all specimens received in laboratory for accurate packaging, labeling, and correct specimen collection requirements and are received appropriately.
- Initiates appropriate action or intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed.
- Accurately labels and processes specimens for laboratory testing; ensures preservation of the integrity of each sample prior to distributing.
- Processes all samples according to their order priority within the required time frame.
- Assists with referral testing when requested.
- Maintains the stock of commonly used supplies, performing routine inspections of supply levels to ensure adequate availability.
- Routinely uses laboratory equipment/instruments.
- Performs troubleshooting as necessary.
- Performs preventative maintenance on equipment and calibrates instruments as required.
- Participates in quality improvement.
- Maintains accurate and complete documentation on processes/procedures, patient information, and equipment maintenance, ensuring compliance with all accreditation regulations.
- Observes universal precautions, barrier protection methods and infection control and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions to ensure a safe work environment.
- Practices the principles of sterile technique and other infection control policies and standards.
- Takes the necessary precautions in keeping with laboratory, organizational and other safety mandates.
- Escalates issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisory level for resolution.
- May perform venipuncture as required.
- Attends educational in-services and training classes as appropriate.
- Works with leader to formulate a plan for professional development.
- Perform other duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or equivalent.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.