Lab Support Associate - Memorial Health

• PRN

As a Lab Support Associate, you will be responsible for Assisting with the data entry of outpatient physician orders and attaches barcodes to biological specimens. Understands basic billing concepts. Rechecks physician orders for errors. Processes biological specimens to appropriate laboratory departments. Provide clients with reference information for physician orders. Reports test results verbally, by fax communication or direct printing to client and physician offices.  Prints and separates physician reports for distribution to the appropriate physician offices and nursing units.

Education:

• High school graduate.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Customer service oriented.
• Basic communication skills required.
• Basic Medical Terminology helpful.
• Demonstrate the ability to type and use a keypad.
• Light physical effort.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases.
• Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens and body fluids.

1. Reads and interprets outpatient and non-patient physician orders, questioning any unclear order with ordering provider. Rechecks the order for errors making any necessary corrections.
2. Removes biological specimens from biohazard bags, verifies that appropriate specimen containers are received for laboratory tests ordered, verifies that the requisition name matches the name on the specimen container, prepares logs, and attaches barcodes to biological specimen containers. Specimens consist of blood, urine, body fluids, biopsies, and glass slides with dried specimen affixed and liquid based pap smears in specific transport containers.
3. Provides effective communication to the outpatient either in person or by telephone answering all questions effectively.
4. Monitors the printing of physician reports for inpatients and outpatients. Places reports for delivery in the appropriate bin.
5.  Communicates requests for specimen collection to phlebotomists in a timely and appropriate manner. Works closely with phlebotomy staff and managers to organize and facilitate inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy requests.

1. Gives patient test results to nursing units and physician offices in accordance with Laboratory and Hospital policies either verbally or by fax communication.
2. Communicates telephone or verbal messages effectively and politely to appropriate lab divisions, personnel or administrative staff.
3. Assists clients and physicians with specimen requirements and collection procedures for testing ordered.
4. Follows instructions on separating non-patient samples ensuring that all specimens are received and the correct specimen container is received. Document errors made by client and notify management.
5. Ensures that all specimens received from client and physician offices are documented against packing lists and follows up with the site in the event all specimens are not received.
6. Inputs all non-patient orders into the lab information system, questioning any illegible order, calls physician’s office with clarification of test order and patient demographics and order request (standing or one time).
7. Contribute to departmental operations by performing other related duties as may be required and/or assigned.
8. Monitors the laboratory computer system call list to ensure all calls/faxes are being made and respond to the appropriate prompts to print daily reports. Notify appropriate computer operations staff concerning exceptions.
9. Maintains specimen tracking by correctly logging in all outpatient and floor samples with the correct time of specimen collection.
10. Contributes to effective customer relations by assisting patients, visitors, and physicians to resolve expressed concerns and by demonstrating a welcoming and helpful attitude.
11. Maintains patient records according to all accreditation requirements and regulatory guidelines.
12. Ensures that professional and personal activities conform to Passavant Area Hospital and MHS strategic plan and philosophy regarding the Guest Relation Program.
13. Participation in all GPE initiatives from leadership down to Lab subcommittee GPE initiatives.
14. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.