Phlebotomy Specialist

Performs venipuncture and collects other specimens form newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to established protocol. Collaborates with patient care regarding difficult venipunctures. Receives and sorts lab specimens. Packages and tracks specimens for transport. Processes specimens for testing including centrifuging, aliquoting, and storing samples. Loads instruments while maintaining proper specimen identification. Performs limited testing under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), 1988 guidelines according to established policies and procedures. Performs laboratory result entry in the computer system. May assists physicians with patient procedures and prepare basic histology stains and uses special handling and knowledge to process pathology send-outs and referrals. Uses specialized knowledge for cleaning and routine general maintenance for histology equipment (cryostat, grossing station). Completes the needed requirements for CAP histology checklist. May support histology and/or cytology services. Accessions and tracks surgical specimens in Pathology computer system. May perform skin puncture and port access functions to obtain specimens from newborn, pediatric, and adult patients according to established protocol, priority and scheduled draw times. Maintains current knowledge and skills necessary to insert and remove port access devices. Performs clerical functions which may include answering telephone calls, patient registration, payment collection, data entry of demographic and insurance information, copying, faxing, laboratory result entry, generating and distributing reports, and/or ordering/delivering supplies and/or equipment. Assists in transfusion dept., and performs tasks associated with this specialty. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.