Specimen Processing Tech

Emory Healthcare•Johns Creek, GA

6h•$19 - $22

About The Position

The Specimen Processing Tech processes and registers specimens for laboratory testing, orders tests as needed, maintains computerized records, and resolves outstanding specimens. The role supports referral testing, maintains commonly used supplies, performs routine inspections of supply levels, and completes preventative equipment maintenance as required. It also upholds organizational values by providing exemplary customer service throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. The position verifies courier deliveries, reviews requisitions and specimen labels for accuracy, follows up on incomplete information or questionable orders, and initiates intervention for unacceptable specimens when needed. It processes STAT orders within required time frames, accurately labels and prepares specimens while preserving sample integrity, and prepares referral specimens for shipment. The tech reconciles unresolved test orders, participates in quality improvement, operates departmental computer programs, reviews patient information and test requests, checks daily logs and summaries, and cancels tests as authorized. The role communicates issues respectfully and promptly to clinicians, uses procedures and reference materials to resolve specimen-related problems, and escalates issues to supervisors. The tech observes universal precautions, barrier protection, infection control, and isolation procedures when handling body fluids and other contagions. The role may assist with onboarding new staff, collaborates with a supervisor on professional development, and attends educational in-services and training for computer systems used in patient registration and referral testing. The listed schedule is PRN, 7 p.m.–7:30 a.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic computer skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Certification is preferred.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.

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 work on the Pending Report.
Assist with referral testing when requested and prepare referral specimens for shipment to reference laboratories.
Maintain stocks of commonly used supplies and inspect supply levels to ensure availability.
Perform preventative maintenance on equipment as required.
Receive, register, and access specimens in the computer; verify complete courier deliveries.
Review requisitions and specimen labels for accuracy, order tests appropriately, and follow up on incomplete information or questionable test orders.
Initiate pathology resident or other appropriate intervention for unacceptable specimens as needed.
Process STAT orders within required time frames.
Label and process specimens accurately while preserving sample integrity before distribution.
Reconcile outstanding test orders not resolved through standard operating procedures.
Participate in quality improvement and verify that samples are correctly labeled and appropriately received.
Operate departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests; troubleshoot as necessary.
Review computerized patient information and test requests, check daily logs and summaries for accuracy, and cancel tests as authorized.
Communicate issues promptly and respectfully to involved clinicians and escalate issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisory staff.
Observe universal precautions, barrier protection, infection control, and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions.
Resolve problems with specimen registration, collection, or processing using procedure manuals or reference materials.
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.