SUMMARY:
Under general supervision of the Pathology Manager, Phlebotomy Supervisor or guidance of the Lead Phlebotomist, performs responsibilities associated with obtaining blood and other patient specimens in accordance with established procedures. Works primarily in satellite physician office to obtain samples from adult and pediatric patients for routine and specialized tests. May visit patient’s home to perform services. Prepares specimens to be transported to laboratory for testing. Prepares and maintains related records.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs various functions associated with the computer system to assure proper collection and documentation of patient specimens. Patient Registration including Patient Identification and verification, Patient Look-up, enter patient demographics, insurance information, guarantor, PCP, ordering provider, order tests, enter diagnostic codes, ordering provider following established policies and procedures for patient identification and verification, registration, test orders, medical necessity, and document scanning.
• Manage Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABNSN) to include obtaining supporting diagnostic codes, document review, patient signature, document management and scanning.
• Performs related clerical activities such as medical necessity follow-up, sorts and files records, daily checklists, answering phones, report delivery, receiving patient into clinical treatment area, as necessary.
• Maintains/monitors standing orders for expiration and renewals confirming tasks are followed through to completion.
• Provides patient with forms for test, gives instructions regarding any special preparation necessary prior to specimen collection test or appointment. May contact additional patient information to complete patient records.
• Reviews patient appointments to determine venipunctures or capillary blood punctures to be performed. Reference pathology handbook and obtains additional clarifying information from physician as necessary regarding procedures and requirements for test ordered.
• Ensures supplies and equipment necessary to carry out scheduled procedures are available.
• Verifies identify of patient following established procedures and proper patient preparation prior to venipuncture such as fasting or special diet. Explains procedures to patient in order to allay anxiety.
• May obtain blood samples from patient according to venipuncture or capillary puncture technique. Alerts physician to any deviations from puncture or adverse patient condition.
• Obtains samples for specialized tests (thyroid releasing hormone, therapeutic drug monitoring, D-Xylose tolerance). Verifies volume and timing of dosage. May monitor patient as assigned to observe reactions including diaphoresis, sleeping, etc.
• May perform certain waived laboratory tests (as defined by the clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and Rhode Island State Licensure). Such testing may include dipstick or tablet urinalysis, fecal occult blood, visual color-comparison analysis for ovulation or pregnancy, blood glucose using glucose monitoring devices, blood cholesterol test and the like.
• Labels, dates, records, wraps and prepares samples appropriately for transport by courier to laboratory for testing and analysis. Ensures samples are picked up and delivered by courier services in a timely manner.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies required; reorders as appropriate to meet anticipated needs.
• Obtains patient demographic and health insurance information for registration and billing requirements. Prepares and maintains records of patients seen, type and number of specimens obtained and supplies used. Documents hours worked for payroll purposes.
• Performs duties according to Hospital policy and universal precautions. Disinfects work area and equipment according to established methods and procedures to prevent spread of infection and/or disease.
• May perform similar duties at Hospital location as required for both in-patient and out-patient population.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Phlebotomy certificate through National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and/or completion of a Phlebotomy certificate program to include formal internship demonstrating 100 successful venipunctures.
• In lieu of internship, 6 months of phlebotomy experience may be considered.
• In lieu of phlebotomy certification, 5 plus years direct phlebotomy experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 1 year of phlebotomy experience required.
• Ability to perform venipuncture techniques and capillary puncture on adults, children, and infants.
• Interpersonal skills to obtain and provide information to patients and to explain procedures effectively in order to allay fears and anxiety.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
• Clerical skills to prepare and maintain records and reports, including keyboard skills to enter access information.
• Familiarity with blood collector equipment, anticoagulants, special precautions, and interference.
• Ability to distinguish chromatic colors.
• A Phlebotomy certificate required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Works with in-patient care environment with considerable walking between units and where some physical effort may be required to deal with patients who are uncooperative.
• Some exposure to odors when handling specimens.
• Exposure to communicable diseases while administering to patients, however chance of injury is minimized by the adherence to established infection control procedures.
• Manual dexterity to perform venipunctures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
None.

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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Driving Required: