Clinical Laboratory Assistant I, Phlebotomy

University of Maryland Medical System; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to support laboratory scientists by performing routine duties and approved testing across UMMS labs, following CLIA guidelines.

The role involves specimen accessioning, processing, storage, and QA documentation, with emphasis on accuracy, customer service, and teamwork in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Receives and accessions patient samples into the Laboratory Information System with accurate coding and timely entry.
• Maintains accurate patient identification and information for billing per procedures.
• Processes specimens (centrifuges, aliquots, and special handling) and delivers them to labs as required.
• Saves or preserves specimens in appropriate storage (refrigerator, freezer, incubator, dry ice).
• Identifies and resolves specimen integrity issues and documents findings for QA.
• Obtains venous and/or capillary blood specimens per procedures.
• Processes add-on testing per departmental procedures.
• Answers telephones and responds to customer inquiries and requests.
• Resolves customer complaints/issues and documents outcomes.
• Communicates test results and descriptions professionally to internal and external customers.
• Reviews test pending lists and assists in troubleshooting instrument problems with guidance.
• Assists in training new personnel using competency checklists and ensures shift readiness.

Job description

Job Requirements

Under direct supervision, assists medical laboratory scientists by performing routine laboratory support duties and approved testing in any one of various specialized laboratories throughout UMMS, following departmental procedures and regulations stipulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Overview

Under direct supervision, assists medical laboratory scientists by performing routine laboratory support duties and approved testing in any one of various specialized laboratories throughout UMMS, following departmental procedures and regulations stipulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Key Responsibilities

• Receives and accessions patient samples into the Laboratory Information System. Ensures that all codes and information are entered accurately and timely. Maintains accurate patient identification and information for billing purposes following departmental procedures.
• Processes (centrifuges, aliquots, and performs other special handling procedures for specimens) and delivers specimens to specific laboratories as required. Saves or preserves specimens as needed in refrigerator, freezer, incubator, dry ice, or other storage as appropriate.
• Identifies and resolves specimen integrity issues such as mislabeled specimens, quantity not sufficient (QNS), specimen integrity, incorrect container type, incorrect/incomplete requisitions, etc., and documents all information for quality assurance purposes.
• Obtains venous and/or capillary blood specimens according to established procedures.
• Processes add-on testing according to departmental procedures.
• Answers telephones and responds to customer inquiries and requests.
• Resolves customer complaints/issues and follows through with appropriate documentation.
• Communicates test results, test descriptions, etc. Assures a high level of customer satisfaction by communicating and responding to a variety of internal and external customers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Reviews and acts on test pending list.
• Troubleshoots and solves instrument problems with some assistance from medical laboratory scientists.
• Assists in the training of new personnel by following the training checklists, completing the competency checklist, and ensuring personnel is competent to perform duties before assigning a shift.

Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. Additional credit hours in biology and/or chemistry at an accredited institution are preferred.

Experience: Previous work experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent experience in a clinical or hospital setting is required. Phlebotomy certification (preferred). Two years' experience as an In-patient Phlebotomist (preferred).