Specimen Processing - Pre-Analytical Assistant I

Quest Diagnostics•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Pre-Analytical Assistant I provides general support functions within the Technical Operations Department. The position performs manual specimen-processing functions such as sorting, racking, picking up and delivering specimens to the laboratory, specimen storage, centrifugation, and aliquoting. The employee may also be trained to operate sorters in archive mode. Additional duties include purging samples from room-temperature areas and walk-in coolers and cleaning storage boxes. The role requires learning assigned duties and understanding how Technical Operations and Specimen Processing functions affect technical departments and result quality. The employee identifies specimen issues or missing information, helps resolve or escalate problems, researches test-order information using translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services, and completes required documentation accurately and on time. Quality and production standards are expected within six months of completing training. The position also involves learning additional functions, supporting department staffing needs, and performing other duties as assigned. This is a production-environment role in a biohazard setting. The employee must follow safety, compliance, work-process, and 5S workplace requirements; keep the work area neat and clean; and communicate effectively with staff. The schedule is Monday through Friday, either 9:00 p.m.–5:30 a.m. or 11:30 p.m.–8:00 a.m., with rotating weekends as needed and some schedule flexibility required. The assignment is listed as one month with a possible extension.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimal data-entry skills.
Good organizational skills.
Understanding of specimen types related to tests ordered, specimen requirements and quantities, and specimen handling and delivery.
Understanding of compliance regulations related to test ordering.
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to change and pursue continuous improvement.
Commitment to internal and external customer requirements.
Willingness to contribute to a team-based working environment.
Ability and willingness to support departmental staffing needs, including weekends, holidays, on-call work, and overtime.
Perform tasks confidently, accurately, and in a timely manner.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a production environment.
Effective verbal and written communication with all levels of staff.
Ability to maintain composure under pressure and use good judgment when resolving problems.
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods; lift up to 50 pounds; and maneuver large carts or specimen racks.
Some flexibility with regard to work schedule.

Nice To Haves

Medical background, including medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory.
Previous experience in a production environment.
Familiarity with mainframe computers.

Responsibilities

Perform specimen-processing tasks including sorting, racking, pickup and delivery of specimens to the laboratory, specimen storage, centrifugation, and aliquoting.
Purge samples from room-temperature areas and walk-in coolers and clean storage boxes.
May be trained to operate sorters in archive mode.
Identify specimen-type problems and missing information related to sorting, racking, centrifuging, delivery, and storage; resolve issues or forward information to support timely resolution.
Research test-order information using translation tables, the computer system, and the directory of services.
Complete written documentation legibly, understandably, and within assigned time frames.
Meet quality and production standards within six months of completing training.
Report to work on time, follow attendance guidelines, and support department performance when coworkers are absent.
Learn additional functions within Technical Operations and Specimen Processing.
Follow safety, compliance, and work-process policies and procedures, including biohazard safety and 5S workplace standards.
Keep the work area neat and clean.
Support department staffing needs on weekends, holidays, on call, and overtime as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.