LABORATORY ASSISTANT, PHLEBOTOMIST

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, perform venipuncture and specified tests to obtain specimens; receive specimens, review labeling check condition of specimens and distribute; perform clerical work; and perform other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Laboratory Assistant, Phlebotomist differs from the Laboratory Technician in that the latter spends the majority of time preparing specimens and reagents while the Laboratory Assistant spends the majority of time obtaining specimens.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Perform venipuncture and finger sticks on patients of varied ages who may be carriers of infectious agents, or who may be hostile or unstable;
• Receive specimens from patients and staff, check for condition and necessary information, and distribute specimen to the appropriate staff;
• Operate centrifuge to spin blood;
• Greet patients and obtain information such as fasting times, medication and insurance;
• Complete requisitions;
• Maintain a clean, well-stocked phlebotomy room;
• Enter test information into the computer and search computer files;
• Answer phone and direct calls; and
• Perform related clerical tasks.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

  Working knowledge of:

• Phlebotomy techniques and equipment.
• Universal precautions.
• Sterilization requirements and techniques involved in the care and use of equipment.

  Some knowledge of:

• Fundamentals of medical laboratory work.
• Laboratory equipment and terminology.
• Dangers of harmful bacteria and communicable disease.
• Basic office procedures and record keeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Obtain adequate blood samples from patients whose veins are difficult to locate, or from patients who may be hostile or unstable.
• Discern when to request assistance in drawing blood.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform routine clerical work.
• Keep accurate records.
• Prepare standardized reports and forms.
• Move quickly to support a fainting patient, or move away from a patient having a seizure.
• Communicate with patients in noisy and quiet environments.
• Perform venipuncture requiring manual dexterity, hand steadiness and balance.
• Maintain awkward body positions, which may cause muscle fatigue.
• Discern colors to determine order of draw, based on color-coded test tubes.
• Learn and apply routine laboratory techniques.
• Learn to enter a variety of data into computer system.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these would be:

No experience is required.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

  License/Certificate:

Possess and maintain a valid Certified Phlebotomy Technician Certificate issued by the California State Department of Health Services; and a valid California class C driver's license.

  Special Working Conditions:

Continuous exposure to: infectious agents which can cause chronic disease or death; allergens and irritants such as latex, talc, soaps, lotions and water which can cause reactions such as dermatitis; chemicals such as bleach, formaldehyde and mineral acids/ bases; and offensive odors such as urine, feces, and vomit.