1. General Summary of Position Responsibility:

   The Clinical Lab Assistant Senior is responsible for pre-analytical preparation of laboratory specimens for designated departments/locations prior to laboratory analysis and testing. Duties include specimen sorting, scanning, accessioning, entering data, aliquoting and centrifugation; minor POCT, point of service and specimen collection. Assists leadership in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the outpatient phlebotomy and central receiving areas and performs a variety of procedures and services. Functions as a member of the phlebotomy and specimen processing team and actively supports the Hospital's Continuous Quality and Customer Service goals through modeling appropriate behavior and providing a work environment conducive to attaining these goals.

   Essential Job Functions:

   1. Performs pre-analytical specimen preparation. Accessions specimens with correct collection and receipt information. Verifies specimen acceptability by correlating orders with test requirements. Prepares samples for storage by centrifugation and aliquoting. Distributes/stores specimens according to the handling instructions. Prioritizes work to ensure timely and efficient flow of specimens with attention on stats and time sensitive tests.
   2. Resolves and documents problem specimens. Acts as a resource persons for the phlebotomy team. Cancels tests when necessary, communicates with patient care units/clinics to resolve problems specimens or questionable orders.
   3. Assists in coordination of research and special studies, and referral (send-out) testing.
   4. Assists in delegating daily work assignments, breaks, lunches and preparation of the phlebotomy schedule for phlebotomy team to ensure optimal customer service.
   5. Assists in developing checklists, training/in-service and competency testing of team members. Acts as role model for staff compliance with Hospital policies and procedures.
   6. Obtains blood specimens from patients using standardized venipuncture, capillary puncture, and specialized procedures. Identifies each patient using two patient identifiers prior to obtaining specimens and labels specimens appropriately.
   7. Performs minor POCT. Collects specimens by iontophoresis for sweat chloride testing. Performs maintenance procedures and function check on the equipment.
   8. Performs point of service functions.
   9. Orients/ trains new and current staff and documents in competencies. Participates in continuing education and mandatory programs. Successfully completes annual competency skill assessments.
   10. Maintains telephone inquiries in a professional, proactive customer service fashion and serves as a resource for customer information and requests.
   11. Maintains an appropriate inventory of phlebotomy supplies in the outpatient collection area and on the phlebotomy trays.
   12. Gr
   eets patients/families in a friendly and courteous manner. Reviews registration information and directs patient to Central Registration to update any changes. Verifies orders and diagnosis codes with the ordering physician as needed. Releases orders from EMR/ orders tests in LIS. Prints labels and forms. Schedules appointments in Cadence system. Completes check-in/out procedure and end-of-session audits.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

High school diploma or equivalent required, Associate's degree in chemical, physical, biological science, or medical technology preferred. Formal training as Medical Assistant or Phlebotomist required; 1 to 2 years of experience as CLA or equivalent job experience with successful completion of CLA Senior competencies.

Required certification in phlebotomy, PBT (ASCP) or equivalent,

Basic knowledge of medical/laboratory terminology.

Ability to resolve problems with the utilization of appropriate resources, to make informed decisions and handle complex inquiries in a courteous and timely manner; to work in a fast-paced, time critical department.

Good verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated knowledge of Hospital and laboratory computer systems required.

Age-Specific Competency Requirement: