Lead Phlebotomist

Variable (United States of America)

Lead Phlebotomist

The Lead assists the phlebotomy supervisors by coordinating the workflow of specimens and patient information into and out of the Laboratory using computer and telephone functions. Dispatches phlebotomy team and is able to collect blood from newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Some independent decision making required, based on general departmental guidelines. There will be daily contact with patients, nurses, unit clerks, other laboratory personnel, doctors, doctors' offices, and the general public. Greets and processes outpatients to assist in providing quality patient care. Will be involved in responding to the Emergency Department as needed, and to participate in the Trauma and Brain Attack protocols.

- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
- Successful completion of six months of Phlebotomy (approximately 1040 hours)
- Must be skilled in typing, basic computer functions, and filing
- Must possess or be eligible for a phlebotomy certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or the NCA
- Good communication skills
- Demonstrated initiative and leadership capabilities
- Must be able to perform general phlebotomy skills accurately and efficiently. This should include routine venipunctures, difficult patients, glucose tolerances, line draws, fingersticks, and heelsticks on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Accurate patient identification, following laboratory guidelines. Proper assistance to the nurse or physician when specimens are obtained from a line. Proper techniques in testing, administering correct doses of glucola, and performing fasting glucoses on the bedside glucose instrument in use.
- Accurately orders test in the computer for clients and Outpatients through proper interpretation of the physician's order, to include the correct physician, correct patient identification (using the correct account number), and all appropriate comments. Maintain compliance through the accurate checking and collection of Advanced Beneficiary Notices.
- The employee will label, receive, and deliver specimens to the correct department within 15 minutes of arrival in the laboratory. The collection time, phlebotomist's initials, received time, and received date are entered accurately in the computer. Editing of recollection times, initials and collections comments must be done accurately and in a timely manner. Requisitions should be matched to the correct specimens and delivered to the appropriate department along with the specimen.
- The Lead Phlebotomist will be responsible for previewing and creating collection batches at the appropriate times throughout their shift. They should dispatch the phlebotomists within 15 minutes of receiving a STAT order and Timed specimens. An OSR should be done every four hours or more often if able. The Lead should make sure that all outstanding specimens are either drawn or edited before shift end. All requests for cancellations should be taken to the appropriate departments. All outstanding tests on patients that are discharged should be taken care of according to laboratory guidelines.
- The Lead Phlebotomist will be responsible for answering the phone and should possess a knowledgeable understanding of the phone system. All messages should be recorded accurately and delivered in a timely manner to the recipient. They should accurately be able to retrieve results and give verbal reports to physicians and nurses within the scope of their knowledge and training. Requests for copies of lab reports should either be accurately faxed or copied and delivered to the correct locations in a timely manner.  
- The Lead Phlebotomist should maintain a steady workflow in the Central Receiving/Phlebotomy area both during routine daily operation and during computer downtimes. The employee should be able to determine if additional staffing is needed from other areas and request it in a timely manner. All breaks should be assigned by the Lead Phlebotomist in order to ensure adequate coverage at all times. The Lead Phlebotomist should act as a supervisor in the absence of their designated supervisor.  
- The Lead Phlebotomist should be able to organize workflow both during and after computer downtimes. They should ensure that all downtimes have been filled out correctly and completely before they are delivered to the departments. The tests on the downtimes should be ordered and received accurately and the labels then delivered to the departments promptly.
- The Lead Phlebotomist should maintain a clean, orderly, well-stocked work area. All employees should adhere to the guidelines established in the Safety Manual, as well as Phlebotomy Procedure Manual. They should be familiar with the location o