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 them for laboratory testing. The work includes matching patient information, entering data, aliquoting specimens, and scanning documents. The role requires following department procedures, maintaining specimen integrity and accurate records, and protecting patient confidentiality in a biohazard laboratory environment.

Requirements

Ability to work under direct supervision and follow specimen-handling and departmental procedures.
Ability to use applicable departmental applications, LIS functions, and test information resources, or learn them as required.
Ability to handle specimens and paperwork accurately, verify identifiers, and maintain documentation and confidentiality.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment in a biohazard laboratory environment.
Ability to perform stooping, reaching, and movement between work sites and within the office.
Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
Fine motor control for picking, pinching, typing, or handling objects primarily with the fingers.
Close, far, and peripheral visual acuity and the ability to distinguish colors.
Regular and reliable attendance, dependable performance, ability to work well with others, and ability to work all required overtime.

Responsibilities

Read and sign department-specific SOPs and the Safety Manual, and attend team and staff meetings.
Process specimens promptly 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.
Document additional information on requisitions and packing lists, and follow department procedures to resolve identified issues.
Handle and label specimens and paperwork appropriately; recognize specimen types and handle them according to corporate and departmental procedures.
Document specimen receipt information and client-provided information on labels; verify that identifiers match across specimens, paperwork, and electronic records.
Handle specimens requiring rerouting or sharing, and 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 proper safety equipment.
Learn laboratory locations, hours of operation, and general functions, or find this information through departmental resources.
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, maintain ethical standards, and follow safety policies, dress requirements, and PPE requirements.
Stay informed about department 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, dependable performance, and effective working relationships; work required overtime.