Health Technician (Laboratory Assistant)

About This Role

The Health Technician is responsible for receiving and processing laboratory specimens, including computerized accessioning, centrifugation, aliquoting, determining specimen acceptability, and ensuring proper storage conditions for specimen integrity. This role also involves performing phlebotomy and providing customer service for diagnostic services.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process laboratory specimens, including computerized accessioning and aliquoting
• Determine specimen acceptability and ensure proper storage conditions to preserve integrity
• Serve as a subject matter expert for other healthcare professionals on specimen collection and processing
• Evaluate suitability of specimens for analysis and request new ones if unusable
• Prepare specimens for analysis, maintaining physiologic state of properties
• Follow protocol for handling mislabeled/unlabeled specimens and route to appropriate sections
• Perform processing of clinical laboratory specimens and timely distribution to technical areas and reference laboratories
• Operate laboratory equipment like centrifuges, refrigerators, and freezers, and perform periodic reviews and maintenance
• Provide customer relation services, serving as a key contact for Veterans seeking diagnostic services or information
• Operate standard office equipment including multi-line phones, copiers, and printers
• Obtain timely and appropriate blood samples via venipuncture for both inpatient and outpatient orders
• Initiate emergency care procedures for patient reactions to blood collection procedures

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or a bachelor's degree with relevant courses, or a combination
• Specimen Collection skills: blood, urine, cultures following protocols
• Computer Skills: utilizing information resource technology, preparing documents, retrieving information, printing labels
• Customer Service: interacting with patients, visitors, and staff respectfully
• Patient Care: assessing patients before, during, and after procedures
• Quality Assurance: adhering to universal precautions, infection control, and safety regulations

Qualifications

• 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation OR combination of specialized experience and education beyond an Associate's degree
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in specimen collection, computer skills, customer service, patient care, and quality assurance, or a combination of education and experience.

Skills

* Required skills