Lab Assistant

Pay Range: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

SCOPE: Under direct supervision, is responsible for the collecting and processing of specimens from patients. Follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Assists with patient flow as needed. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs phlebotomy and collects appropriate specimens from patients as ordered. Assures pre-authorizations and completes appropriate consent (ABN) prior to collection of limited coverage tests.
• Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, equipment records and checklists.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using for patient collection.
• Sends specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in house.
• Processes incoming orders for lab testing.
• Processes in-house and in-coming reports.
• Updates and files all daily paperwork, lab logs and maintenance logs.
• Properly identifies and bands patients for blood product transfusion. Processes properly labeled specimens according to local bloodbank policy.
• Operates designated laboratory equipment as directed.
• Uses equipment effectively, skillfully and efficiently. Maintains equipment and work area as directed.
• Performs waived lab testing under CLIA guidelines for personnel. Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrator, and reagents for waived lab tests.
• Complies with regulatory agency standards. Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Properly disposes of hazardous materials.
• Maintains a clean working environment and restocks the phlebotomy and laboratory area as needed.
• Maintains confidentially of all information related to patients and medical staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Position is entry level and requires 0-3 years experience. High school diploma or equivalent is recommended. Licensure from an accredited school of phlebotomy recommended.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands of this job typically require full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination in operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the use hands to finger, handle, or feel and arms to reach or carry. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to blood/body fluids, chemotherapeutic agents, or transmittable infections. Direct contact with corrosive chemicals, infectious agents, handling glassware, and needles.