Job Title

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.