Processing Tech I

ARUP Laboratories•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

Upon completion of the training program, the Processing Tech I works under general supervision to ensure proper handling of specimens received at ARUP’s central facility and/or University Hospital Clinical Lab. The role processes specimens and orders, enters patient demographics, verifies identifiers, handles specimen documentation and labeling, and routes specimens appropriately for testing. The position requires following departmental procedures, safety requirements, and data security and patient confidentiality standards. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, for 40 hours per week. Training is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility.

Requirements

Effective communication skills.
Ability to work in a biohazard laboratory environment and use personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company and departmental policies.
Ability to comply with ARUP policies and procedures and the Code of Conduct in the employee handbook.
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 to access file cabinets and office machinery.
Fine motor control for picking, pinching, typing, or other finger-based work.
Close, far, and peripheral visual acuity for tasks involving general observations of depth and distance.
Ability to perceive and 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 the Specimen Processing Procedure Manual and Safety Manual.
Attend Specimen Processing team and staff meetings.
Work in an assigned POD after successfully completing Specimen Processing training.
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.
Add appropriate comments to requisitions and packing lists.
Identify problems and order exceptions as necessary, except TT tests.
Handle and label specimens and paperwork appropriately, recognizing and correctly handling specimen types according to corporate and departmental procedures.
Document specimen receipt information and client-provided information on specimen labels according to departmental procedures.
Verify that identifiers on specimens, paperwork, and electronic records match, and ensure 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 when automated delivery systems are unavailable.
Process specimens at all three temperatures and follow procedures for manual and electronically transmitted orders.
Properly operate the biological safety cabinet.
Where applicable at University Hospital, prepare specimens for delivery between ARUP testing facilities by creating STLs, packaging specimens according to temperature, and properly operating the centrifuge.
Learn the locations, operating hours, and general functions of ARUP and UHSC laboratories, or find this information using departmental information on Nucleus.
Make sound judgments or consult a Supervisor, Lead, or Workflow Coordinator before making decisions 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 appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
Remain informed about specimen processing procedures.
Perform assigned cleaning duties and assist with departmental projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance, dependable performance, effective teamwork, and the ability to work all required overtime.