Specimen Processing Tech

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

2d•$19 - $22

About The Position

Processes specimens for testing in a timely manner, orders tests as needed, maintains computerized records, and resolves or troubleshoots outstanding specimens. The role also assists with referral testing when requested and provides exemplary customer service throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. The technician receives and registers specimens in the computer, verifies courier deliveries, reviews requisitions and labels for accuracy, and follows up on incomplete or questionable information. Responsibilities include processing STAT orders within required time frames, labeling and preparing specimens while preserving sample integrity, preparing referral specimens for shipment, and reconciling unresolved test orders. The technician operates departmental computer programs, reviews patient information and test requests, checks daily logs and summaries, and cancels tests when authorized. The position includes maintaining common supplies, performing routine supply inspections and required preventative equipment maintenance, participating in quality improvement, and taking prompt action to resolve specimen registration, collection, or processing issues using procedures and reference materials. The technician observes universal precautions and infection-control practices, communicates issues respectfully to clinicians, and escalates problems to supervisors. The role may include assisting with onboarding, professional development planning with a supervisor, and attending in-services and training for registration and referral-testing systems.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic computer skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

Two years of sample-processing experience preferred.
Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Process specimens for testing promptly and order tests as needed.
Maintain computerized records and resolve or troubleshoot outstanding specimens, including working the Pending Report.
Assist with referral testing when requested.
Provide exemplary customer service throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes.
Maintain stocks of commonly used supplies and routinely inspect supply levels.
Perform preventative maintenance on equipment as required.
Receive specimens, register and access them in the computer, and verify complete courier deliveries.
Review test requisitions and specimen labels for accurate information; place appropriate test orders and follow up on incomplete or questionable information.
Initiate pathology resident intervention for unacceptable specimens as needed.
Process STAT orders within required time frames.
Accurately label and process specimens for laboratory testing while preserving sample integrity before distribution.
Prepare referral specimens for shipment to reference laboratories.
Reconcile outstanding test orders not resolved through standard operating procedures.
Verify that samples are labeled correctly and received appropriately.
Operate departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests; review computerized patient information and test requests, check daily logs and summaries for accuracy, and cancel tests as authorized.
Troubleshoot as necessary and promptly resolve specimen registration, collection, or processing problems using procedure manuals or reference materials.
Communicate issues quickly and respectfully to involved clinicians and escalate issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisors.
Observe universal precautions, barrier protection methods, and infection-control and isolation procedures when handling body fluids and other contagions.
Participate in quality improvement.
Assist with onboarding new staff as requested.
Work with a supervisor to formulate a professional development plan and attend educational in-services and training classes for relevant computer systems.