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, B week, from 9:00 PM to 7:30 AM. The stated hourly rate is an estimate that includes shift differentials for nights, evenings, or weekends; actual rates vary based on schedule. ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ARUP describes its work environment as focused on diversity, professional growth, continuous development, accountability, integrity, service, and excellence, and emphasizes the patient behind every specimen. The role processes specimens and orders, verifies patient and specimen identifiers, documents receipt and client information, and prepares specimens for laboratory testing or delivery. It requires use of departmental applications and equipment, adherence to specimen-handling and safety procedures, and protection of patient confidentiality. The employee may assist with complex processing needs, departmental projects, and cleaning duties, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Ability to learn proper handling of specimens and preparation for laboratory testing under direct supervision.
Ability to process specimens and orders, enter patient demographics, and perform data entry, aliquoting, and document scanning.
Ability to check specimen, paperwork, and electronic identifiers for accuracy and ensure correct labeling.
Ability to use departmental applications and follow specimen-handling, documentation, and safety procedures.
Ability to operate a biological safety cabinet; centrifuge operation is required for University Hospital Clinical Lab and University Division assignments.
Ability to work at all three specimen-processing temperatures and follow applicable manual and electronic order procedures.
Ability to protect patient confidentiality and comply with data-security, ethical, safety, and departmental policies.
Ability to make sound judgments and seek guidance from a Supervisor, Lead, or Workflow Coordinator when needed.
Regular and reliable attendance and dependable performance.
Ability to work well with others and work all required overtime.
Ability to stoop, reach, and move between work sites and within the office.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Fine motor control for picking, pinching, typing, or other finger-based work.
Close, far, and peripheral visual acuity, including ability to perceive and distinguish colors.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment in a biohazard laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

Read and sign all department-specific SOPs and the Safety Manual.
Attend Specimen Processing team and staff meetings.
Immediately process specimens 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 additional information on requisitions or packing lists as appropriate.
Follow departmental processes to resolve identified problems, such as order exceptions or 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 received specimens, paperwork, and electronic records match, and ensure specimens are labeled correctly.
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 is unavailable.
Process specimens at all three temperatures and follow procedures for manual and electronically transmitted orders.
Operate the biological safety cabinet properly; at University Hospital Clinical Lab and University Division, 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 or locate ARUP and University Division laboratory locations, operating hours, and general functions using departmental information on Nucleus as needed.
Make sound judgment decisions or consult a Supervisor, Lead, or Workflow Coordinator when needed.
Assist the management team 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 appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
Remain informed about departmental procedures.
Perform cleaning duties as assigned and assist with departmental projects.
For Central Processing, use Accessioning and Shipment Tracking applications proficiently.
For University Division, ensure specimen acceptability and integrity according to department protocol and 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 the ability to work well with others; work all required overtime.