Completes high volume preanalytical sample processing for clinical hospital laboratory, ensures samples are loaded on the line when applicable or hand received when needed, delivers specimens to appropriate lab bench when needed, researches sample status, places samples on transit lists to other laboratories, answers laboratory phones, problem solves when needed, provides collection supplies to nursing units, manages flow of tube system, troubleshoots and performs routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, and performs clerical, quality, and miscellaneous duties as needed.

Performs core pre-analytical processing:

• Collection verifies specimens in a timely manner with minimal errors
• Preforms pre-analytic processing such as centrifuging samples, basic aliquoting as necessary with minimal errors
• Processes samples in a timely manner, giving highest priority to stat samples
• Distributes samples to the correct work area in a timely manner, ensuring that stat samples are separated from non-stat samples
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and performance checks on departmental equipment as assigned and performs other routine maintenance (housekeeping, safety, etc) in the department
• Creates a transit list and prepares samples for transit to reference labs
• Finds patient information using Patient Inquiry
• Utilizes Status Change to reprint labels or identify status related information
• Pulls transit list summary for samples and resolves outstanding issues
• Enters add on orders for nursing and phlebotomy staff

Performs special processing functions:

• Ability to “walk in” outpatient sample orders in EPIC
• Microbiology Samples – ensures appropriate sample type has been collected, test is appropriately ordered and labeled, and resolves discrepancies before sending sample to reference lab
• 24 Hour Urine Samples – ensures volume for each sample is accurately measured and recorded; enters height and weight requirement as needed, prepares aliquot sample for in house or reference lab testing, ensures sufficient volume is provided; adjusts pH as required for testing, or adds necessary preservative materials.
• Fluid Samples
  • Ensures CSF samples are collection verified and delivered to the hematology bench for assessment of testing. Processes sample using proper protocols for in-house testing or transit to reference lab.
  • Ensures Non –CSF fluids are assessed, properly aliquoted and delivered to the Hematology bench
• Special Coagulation samples – ensures appropriate samples have been collected; processes samples according to testing requirements (e.g., double centrifugation following special instructions); Stores in appropriate temperature environment.
• Handles miscellaneous test orders. Ensures specimen requirements for the test have been met by checking resources and processes appropriately
• Assists in the collection and processing of bone marrow specimens

Communication and training:

• Answers laboratory phone(s) promptly, in a courteous manner, identifying oneself to the caller
• Handles phone requests with minimal call transfers
• Communicates staffing issues or delays with nursing staff in EPIC secure chat
• Performs training and provides feedback for new processors
• Assists co-workers in problem resolution
• Ensures all required forms and requisitions are filled out properly
• Acts as liaison between phlebotomists and technologists as a processing subject matter expert
• Completes all required trainings by their due date

Technical, instrumentation, and clerical duties:

• Understands operation of the Automate front end processing unit
• Routinely performs scheduled maintenance
• Troubleshoots instrument issues, documents and escalates accordingly
• Manages and resolves “exception” samples that the instrument does not process
• Ensures compliance with the clinical laboratory Quality Management Program and assists in entering and answering Internal Quality Error (IQEs)
• Assists Quality leadership in answering formal complaints from nursing staff
• Participates in policy review and communicates the need for required change
• Coordinates activities and prepares for regulatory inspections and audits
• Ensures area is free of expired supplies
• Participates in inventory management and communicates any issues immediately with supply chain personnel
• Maintains currency in the field through participation in continuing education opportunities
• Ability to utilize basic Microsoft office applications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties. Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate. List any special education required for this position.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s or associate degree in science preferred, but not required.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one year of laboratory experience or six months experience as an Inpatient Phlebotomist at TCHHN required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Ability to read and comprehend written information required; ability to effectively and efficiently perform a variety of job duties in a stressful, fast paced environment is required; data entry skills required.

Superior time management, multitasking, planning and organization skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Critical thinking skills to support quality decision-making.

Working knowledge of basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:

N/A