lab assistant

Position: MLS Intern/ Lab Assistant

Department: Laboratory

About the Role:

As an MLS Intern / Lab Assistant, you will play a critical role in the healthcare process by accurately and safely collecting blood specimens from patients for diagnostic testing and analysis. Your expertise in venipuncture and blood drawing techniques will ensure patient comfort and the integrity of specimens, which directly impacts the accuracy of laboratory results. You will be responsible for preparing patients, explaining procedures, and maintaining meticulous records to support clinical workflows. Additionally, you will handle specimen processing and plasma techniques, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Your role is essential in supporting medical teams with timely and reliable specimen collection, contributing to effective patient diagnosis and treatment plans.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in venipuncture and blood collection techniques.
• Knowledge of specimen processing and handling procedures.
• Basic understanding of vital signs measurement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a clinical or hospital laboratory setting.
• Certification in Phlebotomy from an accredited institution.
• Additional certification in plasma processing techniques.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse patient populations.
• CPR certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities:

• Perform venipuncture and capillary blood collection on patients of all ages with precision and care.
• Prepare and label blood specimens accurately to ensure proper identification and tracking.
• Process specimens, including plasma separation and preparation, following established protocols.
• Maintain patient records and document vital signs as part of the specimen collection process.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, safety standards, and regulatory requirements during all procedures.
• Communicate effectively with patients to explain procedures and alleviate any concerns.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to coordinate specimen collection schedules and priorities.

Skills:

The required skills such as drawing blood, venipuncture, and specimen collection are fundamental to performing daily tasks with accuracy and patient care in mind. Proficiency in blood drawing and plasma processing techniques ensures that specimens are collected and handled properly to maintain their integrity for laboratory analysis. Knowledge of vital signs measurement complements specimen collection by providing additional patient health information. Preferred skills like familiarity with electronic health records enhance efficiency in documenting and tracking specimens. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for explaining procedures to patients and working collaboratively with healthcare teams.