Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Assistant Position Summary

Performs venipuncture and specimen collection/processing; completes chain-of-custody collections and breath alcohol testing as required; supports order entry and clerical workflows; answers laboratory phones and provides customer service; assists with inventory of phlebotomy supplies. Reports to the Director or Manager of Department. FLSA: Non-Exempt.

Essential Functions

• Review providers’ orders, quick-register patients when needed, and enter appropriate laboratory tests per requisition.
• Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers prior to all collections.
• Obtain blood specimens via venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick; collect urine, throat, and nasal specimens per policy.
• Label specimens with at least two identifiers plus date/time and collector initials; ensure specimen integrity and proper handling/transport.
• Perform chain-of-custody urine drug screen collections and breath alcohol testing per policy.
• Coordinate therapeutic drug-monitoring collections with nursing to align dose and draw time.
• Resolve unusual/unclear test orders by contacting the ordering provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference lab; escalate unresolved issues to the supervisor.
• Process specimens and distribute to appropriate internal lab sections or ship to reference laboratories according to policy.
• Maintain par levels and assist with weekly departmental inventory of supplies.
• Participate in performance improvement and required education; perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Populations Served: Neonate, Infant, Early Childhood, Late Childhood, Adolescent, Young Adult, Middle Adult, Older Adult.

Protected Health Information Accessed: Demographic, Clinical, Insurance, Financial, Complete Medical Record.

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure: Occupational exposure may be present for all employees in this role.

Physical Requirements (typical): Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, keyboard entry, and repetitive hand/arm movements; occasional kneeling and squatting; occasional pushing/pulling and lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs; rare higher-weight pushes/pulls or lifts; rare climbing/running. Near/far vision and depth perception constant; color distinction frequent.

Environmental Exposures: Frequent contact with blood/bodily fluids; occasional exposure to biohazardous waste, communicable diseases/pathogens, dust, gases/vapors/fumes, hazardous chemicals/medications; latex exposure occasional.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Education: High School diploma preferred.

License/Certification: Phlebotomy Certification preferred.

Skills: Critical thinking, decisive judgment, ability to work with minimal supervision in a stressful environment; rapid learning and navigation of multiple software systems; effective English communication (read/write/speak); ability to complete the Skills Competency Checklist within 90 days of hire.