Job Description

The Lead Clinical Laboratory Assistant is is accountable for the day-to-day operation of the clinical laboratory clerical, phlebotomy, and processing areas. Duties include providing phlebotomy services to inpatients and outpatients. Responds to physician requests and coordinates with departments to expedite testing.

• In compliance with the hospital?s policy on patient identification, collects proper and adequate blood specimens by venipuncture or capillary puncture technique following established laboratory policies and procedures for specimen collection and handling. Maintains that all aspects of processing and handling of all send out specimens (routine and esoteric) are carried out in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner.
• Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report for Laboratory, send out, and Blood Bank during their shift for any uncollected tests and resolve those outstanding tests that should be collected, added-on, cancelled or re-ordered. Oversees rotation of stored patient samples (blood).
• Maintains that all new phlebotomists are adequately oriented, and that training is documented for the tasks required. Maintains that all phlebotomy manuals and those manuals outlining tests specimen requirements are kept updated.
• Communicates, documents, and follows up with all unclear/discrepant orders.  Documents problems/concerns and communicates to Supervisor or Manager. Performs clerical functions accurately and in a timely manner, including use of  the lab computer.
• Maintains that phlebotomy supplies are adequately stocked by the phlebotomy staff and that all phlebotomy tray are clean and disinfected. Prepares specimens for analysis and determines acceptability of samples within guidelines.
• Assists in developing procedures for specimen collection, handling and transport to maintain specimen integrity and viability. Assists in scheduling lab assistants. Covers the shift when nobody else can work. 
• Prepares wet mounts and Gram stains as directed by the clinical laboratory scientist. Demonstrates knowledge in tracking laboratory specimens, batching, aliquoting and handling of issues related to specimens in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates the values of teamwork concept on a consistent basis: Understands and supports the needs of individuals in other departments as well as lab co-workers, works as a team to achieve mutual goals.  Offers assistance and promptly responds to requests (patient, physician, nurses, co-workers and others. Is aware of overall needs of laboratory and willingly performs assignments outside the scope of his/her job description to accommodate them.
• Ensures quality and timeliness of patient test results by investigating problems related to specimen collection and specimen rejection. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Consults with leader or technologist to obtain clarification of technical detail or procedure. Answers telephone, assists clients, and directs calls to proper personnel. Disposal of trash and waste according to safety policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Coordinates with other departments to expedite testing and resolve issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Three (3) years of relevat clinical experience, required

Education:

• High School diploma/General Equivalency Diploma (GED), required
• Bachelor's degree, preferred

License/Certification:

• Current Phlebotomy licensure in the State of California, required

About Cedars Sinai

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