Processing Tech I

ARUP Laboratories•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

Works under direct supervision to learn the proper handling of specimens received at ARUP's central facility and/or University Division and prepares specimens for laboratory testing. Work includes matching patient information, data entry, aliquoting, and scanning documents. The schedule is 7-on/7-off, 9:00 PM–7:30 AM, in Specimen Processing 232. The stated hourly rate is an estimate that includes shift differential; actual rates vary based on schedule. The role requires following departmental procedures and safety requirements while accurately processing specimens, orders, and related documentation. The employee works with department staff and management, uses applicable laboratory information systems and other ARUP applications, and helps resolve processing issues and handle complex needs. The position involves a biohazard laboratory environment and physical tasks including bending, reaching, moving between work sites, fine motor activity, and occasionally exerting force up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Work under direct supervision while learning proper specimen handling and preparation for laboratory testing.
Ability to process specimens and orders accurately, including matching patient information, data entry, aliquoting, and document scanning.
Ability to recognize and appropriately handle specimen types according to procedures.
Ability to check matching identifiers and ensure specimens and paperwork are correctly labeled.
Ability to operate the biological safety cabinet; centrifuge operation is specified for the applicable laboratory divisions.
Ability to use applicable LIS applications and departmental systems; Central Processing requires proficiency in Accessioning and Shipment Tracking.
Ability to make sound decisions and consult a Supervisor, Lead, or Workflow Coordinator when needed.
Adherence to patient confidentiality, data security, ethical standards, safety policies, and departmental procedures.
Regular and reliable attendance, dependable performance, ability to work well with others, and ability to work all required overtime.
Ability to perform medium work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Ability to stoop, reach, and move between work sites and within the office.
Fine motor control for picking, pinching, typing, or similar finger-based tasks.
Close, far, and peripheral visual acuity, including ability to perceive depth and distance and distinguish colors.
Use personal protective equipment in a biohazard laboratory environment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company and department policies.

Responsibilities

Read and sign all department-specific SOPs and the Safety Manual.
Attend Specimen Processing team and staff meetings.
Process specimens immediately as they become available.
Enter patient demographics and process specimens and orders using the appropriate applications.
Order all tests indicated on requisitions and process manual and electronically transmitted tests on submitted paperwork.
Comment on additional information on requisitions or packing lists as appropriate.
Follow departmental processes to resolve identified issues, such as order exceptions and EPIC follow-up tasks.
Handle and label specimens and paperwork appropriately; recognize and handle specimen types according to corporate and departmental procedures.
Document specimen receipt information and client-provided information on specimen labels according to departmental procedures.
Check that identifiers on specimens, paperwork, and electronic records match, and ensure specimens are correctly labeled.
Handle specimens requiring rerouting or sharing appropriately.
Place processed specimens on the automated track, at the appropriate temperature for manual sorting, or deliver them to the testing laboratory at the proper temperature when automated delivery systems are unavailable.
Process specimens at all three temperatures and follow procedures for manual and electronically transmitted orders.
Operate the biological safety cabinet properly; at the University Hospital Clinical Lab, operate the centrifuge properly.
Use the Internal Test Directory or applicable test information catalog for accessioning and client submissions or inquiries.
Use current departmental LIS applications and functions proficiently.
Aliquot specimens according to procedure using proper safety equipment.
Learn the locations, hours, and general functions of ARUP and University Division laboratories, or find this information using departmental information on Nucleus.
Make sound judgment decisions or consult a Supervisor, Lead, or Workflow Coordinator when needed.
Assist management with complex processing needs, including specimen searches and processing compromised shipments.
Observe data security and patient confidentiality principles and maintain ethical standards in testing and interactions with patients, coworkers, and other health care professionals.
Follow safety policies and regulations, including dress code and use of protective clothing and equipment.
Remain informed of department procedures and perform assigned cleaning duties.
Assist with departmental projects.
For Central Processing, use Accessioning and Shipment Tracking applications proficiently.
For University Division, operate the centrifuge and ensure specimen acceptability and integrity according to department protocol.
For University Division, prepare specimens for delivery between ARUP testing facilities by creating packing lists according to specimen-handling requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance, dependable performance, and effective working relationships; work all required overtime.