Specimen Processing Tech
About The Position
The Specimen Processing Tech processes specimens and orders tests as needed, maintaining computerized records and resolving or troubleshooting outstanding specimens. The role supports referral testing, specimen registration and accessions, courier delivery verification, and accurate review of test requisitions and specimen labels. It ensures emergency STAT orders are processed within required timeframes and that specimens are labeled, preserved, and distributed appropriately, including preparation of referral specimens for shipment to reference laboratories. The position also maintains commonly used supplies, performs routine supply inspections and required preventative equipment maintenance, and participates in quality improvement. The tech uses departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests, reviews computerized patient information and test requests, checks logs and summaries, and cancels tests as authorized. The role communicates issues respectfully to clinicians, follows infection-control and universal-precaution procedures, takes prompt action to resolve specimen registration, collection, or processing problems, and escalates issues to a supervisor when needed. The position may assist with onboarding new staff and works with a supervisor on professional development. It includes attending educational in-services and training for computer systems used in patient registration and referral testing. The stated shift is 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
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 in a timely manner 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 and prepare referral specimens for shipment to reference laboratories.
- Receive specimens, register and accession them in the computer, and verify complete courier delivery.
- Review test requisitions and specimen labels for accuracy; order tests appropriately and follow up on incomplete information or questionable orders.
- Initiate pathology resident intervention for unacceptable specimens when needed.
- Process STAT orders within the required timeframe.
- Label and process specimens accurately, preserving sample integrity before distribution.
- Reconcile outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures.
- Participate in quality improvement and verify that samples are correctly labeled and appropriately received.
- Use departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests; review patient information, test requests, daily logs, and summaries, and cancel tests when authorized.
- Communicate issues quickly and respectfully to involved clinicians and escalate issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisors.
- Follow universal precautions, barrier protection, infection-control, and isolation procedures when handling body fluids and other contagions.
- Resolve registration, collection, and processing problems using procedure manuals or reference materials.
- Maintain commonly used supplies, perform routine supply-level inspections, and perform preventative equipment maintenance as required.
- Assist with onboarding new staff as requested.
- Work with a supervisor to formulate a professional development plan and attend relevant educational in-services and training classes.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
