Phlebotomist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Verify patient identity using established identifiers and confirm test orders, collection requirements, and any applicable preparation instructions before specimen collection.

• Perform venipuncture, capillary puncture, and other authorized specimen-collection procedures in accordance with established laboratory protocols.

• Select appropriate collection equipment and specimen containers based on ordered tests and collection requirements.

• Label specimens accurately at the point of collection and verify label information against patient and order documentation.

• Assess collected specimens for basic acceptability, including correct container, adequate volume, labeling accuracy, collection timing, and visible specimen issues when applicable.

• Prepare, package, store, and route specimens according to test requirements and established internal, courier, or reference-laboratory procedures.

• Document collection activity, specimen exceptions, unsuccessful draws, patient refusals, and other required information in approved systems or logs.

• Provide calm, respectful, and clear communication to patients before, during, and after collection, including instructions for specimen collection or follow-up when appropriate.

• Monitor patients during and after collection, respond within established procedures to routine adverse reactions, and promptly seek assistance or escalate concerns when needed.

• Perform authorized point-of-care specimen collection or testing-related tasks, as assigned and trained.

Operational Responsibilities

• Review daily collection schedules, pending orders, add-on requests, and specimen worklists to organize patient flow and prioritize time-sensitive collections.

• Support efficient patient throughput by preparing collection materials, confirming order details, and resolving routine registration, labeling, or order discrepancies through established channels.

• Track specimens requiring special handling, timed collection, refrigeration, protection from light, prompt transport, or other defined processing steps.

• Assist with receiving, sorting, and preparing internally collected or externally delivered specimens for processing or pickup, as assigned.

Communication & Collaboration

• Coordinate with providers, medical assistants, nurses, laboratory personnel, and front-office staff to clarify collection needs and address routine order or patient-flow issues.

• Communicate specimen collection delays, patient concerns, unsuccessful collections, specimen problems, and urgent routing needs promptly to the appropriate team member.

• Provide patients with clear, courteous instructions regarding collection preparation, post-collection care, and next steps within the scope of the role.

• Escalate questions involving test appropriateness, clinical interpretation, patient safety concerns, or exceptions outside established procedures to the Lab Manager, provider, or appropriate clinical staff.

Quality & Compliance

• Follow established patient-identification, specimen-labeling, collection, handling, transport, and documentation procedures.

• Use standard precautions and required safety practices when handling blood, body fluids, sharps, collection equipment, and laboratory materials.

• Dispose of sharps, biohazardous materials, and regulated waste according to established practice procedures.

• Protect patient privacy and confidential information in verbal, written, and electronic communications.

Performance Expectations

• Consistently performs accurate, patient-centered specimen collection while following established identification and labeling standards.

• Maintains specimen integrity and minimizes avoidable recollections, delays, and documentation errors.

• Demonstrates efficient management of patient flow, collection priorities, supplies, and assigned worklists.

• Communicates clearly, respectfully, and promptly with patients and interdisciplinary team members.

• Maintains clean, organized, safe collection and processing areas.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Completion of phlebotomy training or demonstrated experience performing venipuncture and capillary collections.

• Knowledge of basic specimen-collection practices, patient identification procedures, tube selection, labeling, and specimen handling.

• Ability to perform venipuncture and capillary collections accurately and compassionately for patients with varying needs.

• Ability to follow written procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and use laboratory or electronic health record systems as assigned.

• Effective verbal communication skills and the ability to provide clear instructions to patients.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound judgment when handling patient information and specimens.

• Prior phlebotomy experience in a physician practice, outpatient laboratory, hospital, or similar healthcare setting.

• Experience using an electronic health record, laboratory information system, specimen-labeling system, or point-of-care testing workflow.

• Experience collecting specimens from pediatric, geriatric, anxious, or difficult-to-draw patients.

• Familiarity with specimen-processing, courier, reference-laboratory, or send-out testing procedures.

POSITION PURPOSE

The purpose of this position is to obtain high-quality patient specimens and support reliable pre-analytical laboratory processes. The Phlebotomist helps protect specimen integrity, reduce collection and labeling errors, maintain organized supply and work areas, and communicate collection-related issues promptly to the Lab Manager or appropriate clinical staff.