Processing Tech I

ARUP Laboratories Career•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. The work includes matching patient information, data entry, aliquoting, and scanning documents. The role processes specimens and orders promptly and accurately, follows department procedures, and protects patient confidentiality and specimen integrity. It requires regular and reliable attendance, dependable performance, effective teamwork, and availability for required overtime.

Requirements

Ability to work under direct supervision and follow department procedures.
Ability to make sound judgment decisions or seek guidance from a supervisor, lead, or workflow coordinator.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with ARUP policies, procedures, and the Code of Conduct.
Regular and reliable attendance and dependable performance.
Ability to work well with others.
Ability to work all required overtime.
Ability to meet the role’s physical requirements, including stooping, reaching, mobility, fine motor control, close/far/peripheral vision, and color vision.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
Ability to work in a biohazard laboratory environment and use required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Read and sign department-specific SOPs and the Safety Manual, attend team and staff meetings, and remain informed about applicable procedures.
Process specimens as they become available; enter patient demographics and process specimens and orders using the appropriate applications.
Order tests indicated on requisitions and process manual and electronically transmitted tests and paperwork.
Document additional information, specimen receipt details, and client-provided information as required.
Resolve processing issues according to department procedures, consulting a supervisor, lead, or workflow coordinator when needed.
Handle, identify, label, and verify specimens and paperwork, ensuring identifiers match and specimens are labeled correctly.
Recognize and appropriately handle specimen types, including specimens that must be rerouted or shared.
Place processed specimens on the automated track, store them at the appropriate temperature for manual sorting, or deliver them to the testing laboratory at the proper temperature.
Process specimens at the required temperatures and follow procedures for manual and electronically transmitted orders.
Operate the biological safety cabinet; operate the centrifuge where applicable.
Use the Internal Test Directory or applicable test information catalog and current departmental LIS applications and functions.
Aliquot specimens according to procedure using appropriate safety equipment.
Learn laboratory locations, hours, and general functions, or locate this information using departmental resources.
Assist management with complex processing needs, including specimen searches and compromised shipments.
Observe data security, patient confidentiality, ethical standards, and safety policies, including dress and protective-equipment requirements.
Perform assigned cleaning duties and assist with departmental projects.
For Central Processing, use Accessioning and Shipment Tracking applications.
For University Division, ensure specimen acceptability and integrity per protocol and prepare specimens for delivery between ARUP testing facilities by creating packing lists according to handling requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.