LAB ASSISTANT​/Outpatient Lab

LAB ASSISTANT / Outpatient Lab /Full-Time at Christus Health summary:
The Lab Assistant performs blood and body fluid specimen collection, processing, and testing in an outpatient laboratory setting, adhering strictly to safety and procedural protocols. Responsibilities include venipuncture, patient registration, and ensuring accurate specimen labeling and documentation while managing exposure risks to infectious and hazardous materials. The role demands physical stamina, attention to detail, and effective communication skills to support patient care and laboratory functions.
Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Is trained to perform processing blood and other body fluids, sendouts, and other tests as required. Obtains blood samples from the correct patient, ensuring that the blood is properly drawn and labeled following established procedures to assure the proper specimen for the requested testing. Is trained to become competent at venipunctures and skin punctures. May register and interview patients, obtaining accurate demographic and financial information.

May be required to verify medical necessity for all Medicare patients.
Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSES:

SKILLS:

Ability to register patients, obtain specimens and dispense critical information in accordance with section, laboratory, and hospital policies and procedures. Must be able to read and write English and be able to communicate effectively. Must be able to operate laboratory equipment, computer systems.

EXPERIENCE:

Relevant experience preferred.
NATURE OF SUPERVISION:
-Responsible to:
Laboratory Manager, Drawsite Manager, Supervisor
ENVIRONMENT:
- Bloodborne pathogen:

-C (Routine Exposure Risk. Routine exposure in daily duties. Exposed to potentially infectious material on a regular basis and is part of the expected job risk)
Generally works in a well lighted, ventilated area. Exposure to disagreeable odors, toxic fumes, and high noise levels and fluctuations in temperatures. Exposed to carcinogenic, hazardous and radioactive materials; sharp needles and blades; infectious diseases; toxic fumes. Mental stress from working with infectious materials and reporting results that directly affect patient care. Activities of the job are carried out indoors, at blood drawing stations, or at a desk, bench or bedside.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

May be required to work more than a standard shift as dictated by workload, staffing, and equipment failure. Requires standing, sitting, stooping throughout the entire shift. Work occasionally requires safe waist-high lifting and transferring of pediatric and adult patients, usually with assistance. Pushing and pulling up to adult weights may be required. Higher than shoulder reaching may also be required. Work requires finger dexterity, good color vision, close work, good hearing, and good vision.

Job often requires working rapidly and under time pressure for long periods of time.
Keywords:
phlebotomy, blood collection, specimen processing, venipuncture, patient registration, laboratory assistant, medical laboratory, infectious disease safety, outpatient lab, laboratory testing