Clinical Laboratory Assistant - Peoria, United States - Carle Foundation Hospital

Description

Demonstrates technical skills in the pre-analytical phase of the testing process.

Follows age specific care guidelines in collecting specimens from the various age categories of neonate, child, adolescent, adult and elderly.

Collects specimens using the proper procedures & protocols. Observes principles of phlebotomy. Answers the phone readily and in a friendly, welcoming manner. Assists customers willingly at the Receiving Desk. Receives in specimens from ED, Outpatient areas and Nursing floors expeditiously and prioritizes work for optimum turnaround time. Matches barcode label with proper specimen upon receipt of specimen, ALWAYS checking two patient identifiers (Name and DOB). Always includes initials when labeling ANY specimen. Sorts specimens by testing site/analyzer and delivers to correct location. Receives and distributes specimens according to highest priority (i.e. ED, STAT, TS, Routine) Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance on label printers. Informs Lab IT staff when a printer is not working appropriately. Locates and retrieves specimens in storage for additional testing. Determines acceptability of specimens within guidelines. Follows protocol in labeling pour-offs. . Stores specimens under appropriate conditions as quickly as possible. Prepares reagents / standards / calibrators correctly and ensures they are dated & of sufficient quantity. Recognizes inappropriate specimens; rejects. Assigns complete and accurate source with microbiology specimens; logs specimens into microbiology with correct date and time. Selects appropriate culture media, incubation temps and atmosphere for microbiology cultures. Organizes and prioritizes work for optimum turnaround time. Observes safety guidelines. Streaks plates with good standard isolation technique or for quantification (colony counts). Recognizes appropriate selection of test orders.

Performs processing/ordering functions correctly using the Lab Information System Assists in referral services as needed Loads specimens on instruments as appropriate.

Demonstrates skills in the analytical phase of testing process. Follows testing protocols. Performs waived and moderately complex test procedures with care and accuracy. Makes dilutions accurately; calculates correctly. Selects appropriate culture media, incubation temp, and atmosphere for microbiology cultures Performs proficiency testing successfully.

Ensures quality of work by performing QC at required intervals, performing calibrations and footnoting QC following calibration, investigating cause of out-of-control QC and resolves before testing is resumed.

Ensures that outdated materials (kits, QC, or reagents) are not used; uses oldest outdate first.

Ensures timeliness of testing by organizing work for minimal turnaround time, performing work in careful manner to minimize repeat testing and turnaround time, referring testing to alternate sites if in-place systems are not operable.

Delivers blood at the Methodist Campus accurately to the floors. Refers all bedside typing to CLT/CLS. Demonstrates skills in the post analytical phase of the testing process. Refers all questionable results to a CLS or CLT to direct further action. Enters data/results properly and carefully, including required notification and documentation. Reviews data entry before resulting to minimize clerical errors. Uses computer functions to access information necessary for resulting out data and/or giving out results to customers. Troubleshoots instrumentation independently and with the vendor. Addresses unresolved equipment problems to CLS or CLT. Returns proficiency testing results completely and in a timely manner. Communicates all information necessary to subsequent shifts for completion of testing process or problem resolution. Participates in support activities necessary to ensure a smooth and efficiently run operation.

Supports same shift co-worker Performs a variable number of tasks pertaining to pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical process for waived and moderately complex procedures on body fluids and tissue to detect and measure components of health or disease.

Under the supervision of a CLS or CLT the incumbent ensures that accurate results are reported in a timely manner to aid the physician in the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the patient.