Job Description
Essentia Health seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant - Phlebotomy to support accurate, timely diagnostic testing. In this role, you will perform venipuncture and capillary collections, verify patient identity, and ensure proper labeling, handling, and processing of specimens. You'll prepare samples for analysis, operate basic lab equipment, and maintain clean, safe work areas following infection control standards. Working closely with technologists, nurses, and providers, you'll document in the EMR, support quality control, and provide compassionate, respectful service to patients in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform venipuncture and capillary blood collection following established protocols
- Verify patient identity and ensure accurate specimen labeling and documentation
- Prepare, process, and store specimens to maintain integrity for testing
- Operate and maintain basic laboratory equipment such as centrifuges and analyzers
- Follow infection control, safety, and biohazard handling procedures
- Enter orders and results accurately into the EMR and laboratory information systems
- Assist technologists and nurses with daily lab workflow and specimen transport
- Monitor and support quality control procedures and resolve basic specimen issues
- Maintain clean, organized work areas and adequate inventory of supplies
- Provide compassionate, respectful communication and support to patients and families
Required Skills
- Venipuncture and capillary blood collection
- Specimen handling, labeling, and processing
- Operation of basic lab equipment (centrifuges, analyzers)
- Electronic medical record (EMR) documentation
- Infection control and safety protocols
- Patient identification and verification procedures
- Data entry and test order processing
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Quality control and sample integrity monitoring
- Customer service in a clinical setting
