Job at a glance
Job Title: Phlebotomist Job Description This phlebotomist role focuses on performing high-quality blood draws and specimen collection while supporting efficient laboratory workflow. You will assist with troubleshooting, training, and recommending process improvements, ensuring that all specimens are collected, processed, and documented accurately and in accordance with established procedures and safety regulations.
The position requires strong technical phlebotomy skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to clear, courteous communication with patients and healthcare staff. Responsibilities Perform blood draws using appropriate venipuncture techniques, including straight needles and butterfly needles, for patients of all ages. Collect and store blood and other specimens, such as urine or fecal samples, according to established procedures and protocols.
Explain the venipuncture and specimen collection process clearly and courteously to patients to ensure understanding and comfort. Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes to ensure accurate identification and proper test ordering. Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze specimens as required by specific test orders and laboratory protocols. Verify all test requisitions or computer-generated labels against the physician’s orders or scripts to ensure 100% accuracy.
Package specimens for transport, following established procedures to maintain specimen integrity during handling and shipment. Store specimen samples at the required temperatures and place them in appropriate collection containers or tubes, following protocol for each test type. Update patient information accurately in the system and ensure all documentation is complete and current. Record maintenance data and perform decontamination tasks in accordance with laboratory standards and procedures.
Understand and fully interpret physicians’ orders to ensure correct tests and procedures are performed. Comply with OSHA and DEP regulations and all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Attend annual department trainings and other required educational sessions to maintain knowledge of current procedures and regulations. Answer telephone calls in a professional manner and read laboratory results to satisfy inquiries, as permitted by policy.
Assist with troubleshooting issues related to specimen collection, processing, and workflow, and make recommendations for process improvements. Participate in training activities, demonstrating proper phlebotomy techniques and procedures to others as needed. Provide courteous, customer-focused service to patients, clinicians, and colleagues throughout the collection and processing process. Essential Skills Proven phlebotomy experience, including a minimum of 2 years performing blood draws.
Demonstrated proficiency in venipuncture using straight needles and butterfly needles. Experience with pediatric blood draws and specimen collection across all age groups. Hands-on experience in specimen processing, including labeling, centrifuging, splitting, freezing, and packaging specimens. Ability to accurately match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes and verify orders against scripts or computer labels.
Strong understanding of OSHA and DEP regulations and ability to comply with all safety and regulatory requirements. Customer service experience, with the ability to interact courteously and professionally with patients and healthcare staff. Ability to clearly explain blood draw and specimen collection procedures to patients in an understandable and reassuring manner. Competence in updating patient information and maintaining accurate records and maintenance logs.
High School Diploma or GED. Valid phlebotomy certification for the state of employment, where required. 2–4 years of relevant experience in phlebotomy or a related clinical laboratory role. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience handling a variety of specimen types, including blood, urine, and fecal sam