Laboratory Assistant/Data Entry Clerk

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Phlebotomy Supervisor, Clerical Supervisor or designate and under the direction of the Technical Leader, performs duties related to blood collection and specimen processing, and the data input of information into the laboratory computer information system. Collects blood specimens and prepares specimens for analysis. Performs clerical and reception duties such as typing, answering the telephones, filing and receiving and distributing mail and materials.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Receives patients by methods such as examining test requisitions to confirm patient demographics, checking for physician’s signature, and entering demographics into the computer system. Prints labels indicating patient information such as referring Physician, name and test, and affixing to requisition. Explains procedures for collection of laboratory specimens and responds to routine inquiries.
2. Collects blood specimens from patients for tests by methods such as identifying patients, performing venipuncture and skin puncture, labeling specimens with required information and disposing of sharps.
3. Prepares specimens such as blood and urine for analysis by performing duties such as checking specimen identification and requisition, identifying whether additional tests or special testing is required, separating serum or plasma from cells by centrifugation, and preparing blood films.
4. Processes specimens by methods such as receiving specimens, sorting and labeling for testing, logging data into the computer database, and batching specimens for distribution. Stores specimens according to established procedures.
5. Performs receptionist duties such as answering telephones, taking and relaying messages, paging laboratory and medical staff, relaying test results, slotting patients into appointments and making arrangements for patient testing.
6. Prints items such as labels, computer generated blood collection lists and various reports by entering information into the computer system. Sorts, files and distributes laboratory reports to physicians and nursing staff as requested.
7. Maintains work area by methods such as cleaning blood collection baskets, wiping baskets, wiping down counters and work benches with disinfectant, identifying depleting stock and notifying supervisor for order replacements.
8. Responds to general inquiries from patients, nursing units, or external facilities by answering telephone calls, taking messages and referring calls as appropriate.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
Grade12, successful completion of a recognized Lab Assistant training program, plus one year recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Skills and Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to deal with others effectively.
Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
Ability to organize work.
Ability to operate related equipment.
Ability to keyboard at 25 w.p.m.