Complex Specimen Processor

HCA Healthcare • Richmond, VA

2d

About The Position

The Complex Specimen Processor manages inbound and outbound microbiology, histology, and cytology samples in a Market or Core Laboratory Setting. The role includes tracking, accessioning, and processing samples, addressing problem specimens, and preparing samples for referral laboratories. Duties must follow written procedures and regulatory requirements. The position supports department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, a healthy work environment, and coordination across departments.

The role also includes referral-testing workflow and, as applicable, hazardous-waste handling. The processor assesses referral specimen requirements, prepares and monitors referred testing, and follows facility procedures for hazardous waste containers, spills, and emergency response.

Requirements

• Less than a high school diploma/GED is listed under education and experience.
• Less than 1 year of experience is listed under education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational/technical degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in a market or commercial clinical laboratory setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Track samples submitted from hospitals through receipt in the laboratory and follow up with courier services about missing samples.
• Receive specimens into the laboratory/pathology information system.
• Maintain positive patient identification when handling and labeling specimens.
• Perform registration and order-entry procedures accurately and promptly when requested.
• Label specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and the tests ordered.
• Assess specimen requirements, including collection, storage, transportation, testing, and rejection criteria; troubleshoot specimen or test-request issues with the submitting entity.
• Centrifuge and aliquot specimens appropriately based on specimen type and tests ordered.
• Prepare specimens for courier pickup and include special instructions as requested by physician orders.
• Discard laboratory specimens according to the established schedule.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance and quality-assurance procedures.
• Maintain records and documentation about specimen and other problems, and take corrective action as needed to ensure valid and accurate testing.
• Clean areas after emergency specimen spills.
• Assess referral-testing specimen requirements and resolve specimen or order-entry issues.
• Process, sort, and prepare specimens for referral laboratories in accordance with the requirements for tests ordered.
• Monitor referred testing and confirm results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times.
• Review the Outstanding Specimen Report and pending referral-testing issues, and take appropriate action.
• As applicable, place hazardous waste in appropriately labeled containers and keep containers closed except when adding waste.
• As applicable, record start and full dates on hazardous-waste containers, complete and affix required labels, and maintain containers in designated documented storage areas.
• As applicable, report spills, clean up minor spills within one's abilities, and follow the facility's Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan emergency response activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine plans.
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services.
• Time-away-from-work programs, including paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence.
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay based on years of service, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement-readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling.
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
• Fertility and family-building benefits and adoption assistance.
• Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans.
• Auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed