Laboratory Processor

San Juan Regional Medical Center•Farmington, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Central Processor is responsible for the coordination of all clinical laboratory pre-analytical services. This includes knowledge and competency in operation processes such as test requests, specimen collection, specimen transport, specimen receipt/processing, and reference laboratory testing. The central processor serves as a communication link with all laboratory employees, hospital personnel, and other customers/clients, anticipating the lab’s needs regarding test requirements to better serve patients and co-workers. The role requires adherence to SJRMC's values: Sacred Trust, Personal Reverence, Thoughtful Anticipation, Team Accountability, and Creative Vitality.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Minimum of six (6) months’ work experience in a medical laboratory

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy certification or adequate years of experience in phlebotomy/Order/Entry
Knowledge of computer keyboarding
Certification and training for transport with appropriate safety and packaging procedures suitable to specimen type and distance transported
Knowledge of infectious material management
US International Air Transport Association (IATA) recertification training every two (2) years
Working knowledge of laboratory and specimen processing
Good problem-solving skills
Articulate; good communication skills

Responsibilities

Order, receive, and distribute laboratory specimens to various laboratory departments and reference laboratories.
Order, cancel, and un-cancel patient orders.
Provide a communication link between hospital personnel, technologists, section supervisors, and/or the laboratory director.
Maintain certification and skills for direct patient care, including annual CEUs, safety, and laboratory competency requirements.
Enter and monitor all send-out specimens into Cerner in a timely and accurate manner.
Submit billing for non-interfaced testing, ensuring proper CPT codes and current pricing.
Maintain the laboratory error log in coordination with the Central Coordinator.
Access LIS for required duties only.
Understand Medicare medical necessity procedures for specimen collection and handling of Advanced Beneficiary Notices (ABN).
Accept and document verbal phone orders.
Utilize knowledge of laboratory testing and computer skills.
Understand guidelines for emergency testing and priority for patient specimen handling.
Follow computer downtime procedures.
Adhere to specimen identification standards according to CLSI/CMS/CAP.
Follow protocols for minimization of large draw volumes.
Understand proper preservation, transport media, packaging, shipping, handling, and prompt delivery of laboratory specimens.
Understand storage requirements for specimen integrity.
Access hospital information system to view confidential medical records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Order, distribute, and stock laboratory supplies.
Collect and process specimens optimizing final test results, including patient preparation, verification of patient identification, application of patient identification system, and instructions for various collections.
Perform venous and capillary punctures on hospital patients, outpatients, and nursing home patients.
Handle special handling requests and timed specimen collections.
Understand requirements for test requests, including completion of forms, clinical information, specimen source, and diagnosis.
Process specimen receipt, including documenting receipt date/time, checking specimen condition, rejecting unacceptable specimens with notification, handling suboptimal material, and disposition of unacceptable specimens.
Utilize Cerner accessioning system for continued specimen identification, security, and integrity, using two patient identifiers.
Communicate scheduling needs to the section supervisor or laboratory director and coordinate with other processors for coverage.
Participate in laboratory meetings.
Demonstrate teamwork by coordinating duties with other staff and accepting equitable callback, weekend, and holiday work assignments.
Resolve scheduling conflicts through cooperative discussions with fellow staff members.
Perform duties to minimize specimens lost for testing due to unsatisfactory identification, improper collection, storage, or technique.
Implement SJRMC's Service Standards (Safety, Courtesy, Effectiveness, and Stewardship) into daily work.
Perform other duties as assigned.