Phlebotomist

Position Overview: The Phlebotomist performs venipuncture and capillary puncture on adults, neonates and pediatric patients; collects urine specimens; performs EKG and spirometry on adult and pediatric patients; participates in the instruction of new personnel; works with computer; communicates in a manner that promotes Laboratory professionalism as well as a comfortable phlebotomy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (including but not limited to the following):

* Blood Collection: from adult and pediatric patients using vacutainer, syringe and butterfly techniques; capillary puncture using heel and fingerstick techniques.
* Identifies and labels specimens appropriately.
* Instructs patients in regard to urine and stool collection procedures.
* Enters accessioning data into the computer.
* Prepares specimens for send out testing.
* Inventories supplies and prepares phlebotomy stations to effectively collect blood.
* Attends required meetings.
* Enhances professional growth and development through inservice meetings and education programs.
* Performs EKG, Holter Monitor, and Spirometry procedures.
* Maintains patient confidentiality.
* Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Knowledge of laboratory techniques to perform blood, urine and stool collection.
* Knowledge of container and minimum volume requirements for specimen collection. Knowledge regarding the technical correctness of EKG and spirometry printouts.
* Knowledge regarding the proper attachment of a Holter monitor.
* Skill in labeling and dispersing specimens to appropriate stations.
* Skill in interacting with patients representing a broad physical and socioeconomic spectrum. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, laboratory staff and medical staff.

Typical Physical Demands:
* Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
* Frequent standing, walking and bending required for extended periods of time.
* Must be able to support the body weight of an adult patient when moving from a chair to an exam table.
* Requires visual acuity and normal color perception.

Working Conditions: Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a medical group and laboratory environment.


Qualifications and Education:

* High School diploma or GED and on the job training.
* One year of phlebotomy required.

Certification: Certification from an accredited phlebotomy diploma program preferred.

Alternative to Minimum Qualifications: Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement.