Central Processing Assistant, 24hr, Day

This position is responsible for the procurement of blood specimens from patients for laboratory procedures. In addition to the collecting and transporting of the blood samples to the laboratory, the Central Processing Assistant is responsible for the processing of the specimens in preparation for analysis. The Central Processing Assistant is responsible for performing EKGs using the GE EKG carts and MUSE software program and for performing patient registration functions and insurance verification on outpatients.

I. Major Responsibilities:
1. Proper identification of the patient using two identifies:  patient name and date of birth.
2. Perform a variety of routine and complex blood drawing procedures to include venipuncture and capillary puncture (finger and heel sticks) using standardized equipment.
3. Respond to all STAT blood work requests within 30 minutes.  Respond to all timed specimen requests within + / - 15 minutes.
4. Utilize ROVER (positive patient identification system) for all inpatient blood draws.
5. Perform EKGs using the GE EKG carts and the MUSE software program.
6. Enter required patient registration information into the HIS (hospital information system) and perform insurance verification on laboratory outpatients.  Scan all necessary documents into the HIS under the correct patient encounter.
7. Confer with patients to obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears and elicit cooperation.
8. Transport specimens to the laboratory while maintaining specimen integrity.
9. Adhere to standard precautions and all infection control policies and procedures.
10. Prepare, process, label and store patient specimens according to departmental procedures using approved techniques and equipment, for subsequent analysis by the clinical laboratory.
11. Respond to the pneumatic tube system and disperse patient specimens to the appropriate lab section in an efficient manner.
12. Provide technical guidance to Phlebotomy students and new employees.
13. Review uncollected lists on a regular basis; ensuring all specimens have been obtained.
14. Centrifuge, aliquot, and appropriately store all reference laboratory specimens per laboratory policies and procedures.  Build transport batches to prepare specimens for courier pickup.
15. Mail and fax laboratory reports to physician offices.
16. Provide routine specimen pick-up for all physicians in adjoining medical / professional buildings.
17. Perform all duties at the Outpatient Lab front desk including but not limited to greeting the patient, placing lab orders in the laboratory information system, check tests ordered and diagnosis for medical necessity, deliver ABN (advance beneficiary notice) to patient when applicable, and make necessary phone calls to physician offices for clarification of orders.
18. Maintain entire work area including phlebotomy trays in a neat, clean, and organized manner.
19. Answer the central processing and outpatient laboratory telephones within 3 rings.
20. Monitor the reference laboratory pending work list and resolve issues as they arise.

Standard Staffing Level Responsibilities:
1. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
2. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
3. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
4. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
5. Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
6. Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
7. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:
Required:
1. High School diploma or equivalent 
2. Successful completion of a certified phlebotomy course 
3. Minimum:  Completion of 120 hours of clinical experience 

Experience/Skills:
Required:
1. Requires the ability to endure periods of heavy workload and stress.  
2. Must possess ability to coordinate eyes and hands to fingers rapidly and accurately in making precise movements with speed.  
3. Good communication and customer service skills

Preferred:
1. Minimum one (1) year of phlebotomy experience with patients of all ages
2. Phlebotomy certification through American Society of Clinical Pathology PBT (ASCP)