Job Title: Waived Testing/Phlebotomy Technician Level II Department: Laboratory
Reports to: Supervisor Revision Date: 8/5/2023
Grade Level: 16 Status: Non-Exempt
Job Summary:
The Waived Testing/Phlebotomy Technician will work independently at all remote sites to obtain all blood and urine specimens as requested from customers of all ages, from newborns to geriatrics, using the appropriate technique. Upon being trained and qualified, will be expected to accurately perform waived testing per protocol and record patient results and quality control data.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and obtain blood samples from patients, utilizing multiple devices (including syringes, butterflies, capillary tubes, etc.). Matches blood test with correct collection container and preservative.
- Perform routine venipuncture, blood cultures and capillary blood gases in accordance with institutional policies.
- Utilize appropriate skin disinfectant to ensure test results are not compromised.
- Properly collect and process urines for drug analysis ensuring that the specimen is fresh (unaltered) and the forms carry all of the necessary information and signatures; 24 hour urine tests require a preservative and notification of lab to obtain the proper collection container.
- Ensure timely collection of common therapeutic drugs and the appropriate time to draw specimens for the analysis.
- Accurately label the collected specimens with either the correct bar code label or appropriate patient name, date, time date of birth and initials.
- Educate the patient about any special preparations or procedures that they may have to do prior to collection; assess patients with ISTAT and glucose meter to test patient samples.
- Properly process (centrifuge, separate or freeze) all specimens after phlebotomy to ensure they arrive back at the laboratory without having compromised the integrity of the specimen.
- Use the Laboratory Information System to order tests, print bar code labels, and fax results.
- Perform waived testing according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures for the following tests, to include, but not necessarily limited to sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, BUN, glucose, creatinine, i calcium, hemoglobin, hematocrit, streptococcus, A antigen test, Influenza A & B, mononucleosis, urine pregnancy, urinalysis (dipstick) occult blood and Rapid HIV.
- Utilize Laboratory Information System to transcribe all patients results, order tests for outpatients, calling up draw lists, documenting specimen collection, etc.
- Analyze the appropriate quality control material and record the results prior to patient testing.
- Recognize quality control data that is unacceptable and does not release any patient reports until QC is acceptable. Notifies appropriate lab supervisor of any QC problems encountered.
- Recognize critical test results and notify the urgent care staff immediately (within 5 minutes) and document all such notifications.
- Maintain phlebotomy all quality control records in neat, organized manner.
- Perform routine quality assurance surveys at off-site draw stations to ensure that all required temperatures and corrective actions are recorded, out-dated tubes and supplies are removed from the shelves and centrifuges are checked periodically, reporting the result of the surveys to the Laboratory Support Operations Supervisor.
- Inventory supplies at various drawing stations and help develop an order list to replenish stock.
- Recognize all tests sent to an outside reference lab and ensure the correct specimen is drawn and handled appropriately to protect the integrity of the specimen.
- Maintain phlebotomy trays in a sanitary condition and restock them as needed.
- Accurately document refrigerator/freezer temperatures at the various draw stations.
- Notify the appropriate laboratory personnel when delivering a specimen that must be run STAT.
- Address Advancenced Benificiary Notice (ABN’s) with confidentiality, tact and provides education to patients on their importance. Assists with obtaining appropriate diagnosis codes from Physician.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific):
- Ability to interact with all patients from newborn through geriatrics
- Basic office skills such as keying in data, sorting, and record keeping.
- Must have the ability to work independently and draw blood from all types of patients from infants to geriatrics.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient in standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Education and Experience:
- Completion of a Medical Assistance/Phlebotomy program that includes instruction in Point of Care testing and/or three years of phlebotomy experience.
Working Conditions:
- Position requires reliable personal vehicle.
- Occasionally train and instruct new phlebotomy staff and student interns in the proper collection of blood and urine specimens.
- Requires appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves when performing venipuncture, capillary blood draw, or testing procedure.
- Attendance ensures that job requirements are met.
- Exposure to patient blood, urine, and other body fluid samples along with other hazardous materials
- Requires ability to lift, move, carry, push or pull up to 30 lbs. using proper body mechanics.
- Attendance ensures that job requirements are met.
- Actively participates in Quality Assurance, CQI, cross-training, in-service programs; attend all mandatory classes, meetings and committees as required; complete department-specific requirements/competencies; accept assignments to other units/shifts as hospital needs require.
- Comply with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and required immunizations.
Pay Range: $17.50-$21.00/hour
Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system that was established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to continue to be one of Oswego County’s largest employers. More than 1,200 employees spread throughout its 17 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 164-bed community hospital with a brand new Medical Surgical Unit, a 32-bed state-of-the-art psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community. The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services; and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, Oswego Health includes the Oswego Health captive professional corporation, Physician Care P.C., providing physician services in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, audiology, general surgery, bariatrics, and primary care.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Oswego Health is committed to providing equal opportunity in all employment-related matters, without regard to race (including traits historically associated with race), creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital or familial status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, citizenship status, ancestry, arrest/conviction record, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, reproductive health decision making, relationship or association with a member of a protected category, or any other legally protected characteristic. Decisions affecting your position including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, tuition assistance, leaves of absence, disciplinary action, layoff/recall, and terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.