Lab Specimen Processor, Per-Diem

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Burlington, VT

6d•$21 - $28

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Laboratory Manager, the Lab Specimen Processor accepts, processes, identifies, and labels specimens according to protocol. The role requires familiarity with patient and specimen requirements, proper specimen storage and transport, and preserving specimen integrity. The position operates automated instrumentation and assists with its upkeep. Coverage may include rotating weekends and holidays. In the General Laboratory, the position supports specimen identification, intake, triage, storage, retrieval, archiving, and disposal; maintains supplies and workstations; monitors laboratory equipment conditions; handles send-out tasks; and supports quality, safety, environmental, and infection-control procedures. Depending on the laboratory location, duties may also include training in phlebotomy and collecting blood and other specimens, or collecting and transporting surgical pathology specimens, assigning cases to pathologists, and handling specimens and hazardous chemicals under controlled conditions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to identify and evaluate proper specimen collection and storage.
Manual dexterity and acuity to prepare and screen specimens, prepare solutions, and operate instrumentation and a computer.
Ability to concentrate for extended periods, use good judgment, work accurately under pressure, and handle stress to meet deadlines.
Verbal and written English-language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians and colleagues.
Ability to perform venipuncture techniques.
Skill using personal computers and related software applications.
Staff must be vaccinated against influenza as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

One year of related laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Ensure specimens and requisition forms are properly labeled and identified; report, record, and document discrepancies and their resolution.
Inventory and organize laboratory supplies, restock workstations, and communicate supply needs to support adequate inventory and timely purchasing.
Receive, archive, and discard specimens according to established procedures.
Prepare benches and workstations for the daily specimen workload and organize and reload instruments and supplies for each station.
Prepare infectious biohazardous waste for transport in accordance with Lahey Clinic Environmental Safety and Health Policy.
Monitor laboratory equipment temperature and humidity readings, maintain temperature charts, initiate corrective action, and notify the team lead of issues.
Organize and file specimens in the established storage system and assist senior staff with specimen retrieval for additional diagnostic testing.
Perform send-out tasks, including preparing packing lists, scanning requisitions, and other administrative duties.
Assist with specimen receipt and triage, follow quality-monitoring methods, and promptly report and document discrepancies.
Maintain and troubleshoot equipment, correct basic problems, and notify appropriate staff when needed.
Monitor Satellite Accumulation Areas, transfer hazardous waste from work benches to the SAA, and transport chemical waste in compliance with MWRA and hospital regulations.
Assist staff with routine and special projects.
Follow department policies, procedures, and objectives related to quality assurance, safety, environmental practices, and infection control, as well as JCAHO Patient Safety Goals and related laboratory and hospital policies.
Train in phlebotomy and draw blood from patients; collect and document specimens based on physician orders while attending to patient comfort.
For Anatomic Pathology Laboratory assignments, collect, document, and transport surgical pathology specimens from on-campus clinical sites to grossing rooms.
For Anatomic Pathology Laboratory assignments, assign cases to pathologists according to protocol and transport routine and special specimens within the hospital while maintaining diagnostic viability and specimen integrity.