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 them for laboratory testing. Work includes matching patient information, data entry, aliquoting, and scanning documents. The position handles specimens and related paperwork, enters patient and order information, and prepares specimens for laboratory testing and delivery.

Requirements

Ability to handle and correctly identify different specimen types and follow departmental and corporate procedures.
Ability to enter patient and order information and use applicable departmental applications and LIS functions.
Ability to follow specimen handling, labeling, documentation, temperature, and safety procedures.
Ability to protect patient confidentiality and data security.
Ability to make sound decisions and seek guidance when needed.
Ability to work well with others and maintain regular, reliable attendance and dependable performance.
Ability to work all required overtime.
Ability to meet the physical demands of medium work, including exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
Ability to stoop, reach, move between work sites and within the office, and perform fine motor tasks such as picking, pinching, and typing.
Close, far, and peripheral visual acuity, including the ability to distinguish colors.
Ability to use personal protective equipment in a biohazard laboratory environment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company and departmental policies.

Responsibilities

Read and sign all department-specific SOPs and the Safety Manual.
Attend Specimen Processing team and staff meetings.
Process specimens promptly as they become available.
Enter patient demographics and process specimens and orders using appropriate applications.
Order all tests indicated on requisitions and process manual and electronically transmitted tests on submitted paperwork.
Document additional information on requisitions or packing lists and follow departmental processes to resolve identified issues.
Handle and label specimens and paperwork appropriately, recognize specimen types, and follow applicable procedures.
Document specimen receipt information and client-provided information on specimen labels.
Check that identifiers on received specimens, paperwork, and electronic records match and that specimens are labeled correctly.
Handle specimens requiring rerouting or sharing.
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.
Process specimens at all three temperatures and follow procedures for manual and electronically transmitted orders.
Operate the biological safety cabinet and, where applicable, the centrifuge.
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.
Identify ARUP and University Division laboratory locations, operating hours, and general functions, or locate 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.
Protect data security and patient confidentiality and maintain ethical standards.
Follow safety policies and regulations, including dress code and protective-equipment requirements, and remain informed about departmental procedures.
Perform assigned cleaning duties and assist with departmental projects.
For Central Processing, use Accessioning and Shipment Tracking applications.
For University Division, operate the centrifuge, ensure specimen acceptability and integrity, and prepare specimens for delivery between ARUP testing facilities by creating packing lists according to handling requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and dependable performance, work well with others, and work all required overtime.