The ED Tech is responsible for all blood draws, urinalysis, rapid tests, swabs, and operation of an electrocardiograph machine to record electromotive variations and impulses of the heart, upon the request of a physician for the use in the diagnosis or heart disorders performed within Opelousas General Health System. As patients arrive to the Emergency department or admitted into health organization the ED Tech is to review medical record or patient identification bracelet, follow printed lab orders and determine vials to be drawn per patient and operates EKG machine. ED Tech is also to provide effective communication/education to patients on the proper collection of urinalyses, stool specimens, etc. and is to work closely with lab techs, nursing and clinical staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Greets patients in a friendly, cheerful, and professional manner; determines their needs and responds accordingly.
• Utilizes professional telephone etiquette with all callers; answers incoming calls by the third ring.
• Reviews and prints lab orders and labels
• Studies patient’s EKG requisition form to obtain vital information needed prior to the test, i.e., past heart disorders or special medication the patient has received
• Explains purpose and procedure of the test to the patient
• Instructs patient to remove clothing to expose the chest, arms and legs
• Attaches electrodes to predetermined positions on the arms and legs
• Operates EKG machine
• Performs 12 lead EKG’s
• Upon completion of the exam, removes the electrodes from the patient (when appropriate), and the tracing paper from the EKG machine
• Reviews recordings on the tracing paper from each electrodes position, and checks for clarity and for any deviation from the normal
• Places the EKG in the appropriate area for physician interpretation
• Maintains EKG machine and equipment by cleaning and replacing supplies, electrodes and paper
• After interpretation of EKG by physician, copies, distributes, faxes and files EKG’s as appropriate
• Explains blood draw procedures to patients and answer any questions about the process.
• Ability to successfully draw blood from patients with minimal or no complications.
• Follows all health and safety protocols and procedures to maintain sanitary work area.
• Gathers medical testing materials, including needles, sample vials, blood storage bags and test tubes
• Verifies patient information and labels blood samples properly
• Accurately updates patient information in the organization database.
• Helps nervous or frightened patients remain calm during blood draws.
• Works with clinical staff and always following their directions
• Educates patients on proper UA collection.
• Processes urinalysis and rapid tests within the organization
• Uses centrifuge regularly.
• Follows confidentiality and security rules when providing patient information.
• Receives all lab specimens within the organization database
• Calls reference labs for stat pickups/special tests
• Documents and footnotes all information that is pertinent to all lab specimen collections
• Packages all lab specimens.
• Adheres to OSHA guidelines and participate in safety program.
• Performs any other services deemed reasonable by physician or Manager.

Education: High School Diploma/GED required.  Vocational/Technical degree in Phlebotomy/EKG program preferred.

License/Certification: National or Louisiana State Phlebotomy certification required.  Certified EKG Techniciam required.