Specimen Processing Tech

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

1d•$19 - $22

About The Position

The Specimen Processing Tech processes specimens for testing in a timely manner, orders tests as needed, maintains computerized records, and resolves and troubleshoots outstanding specimens. The role supports referral testing, maintains supplies, performs required preventative maintenance on equipment, and provides exemplary customer service throughout the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. The position receives, registers, accesses, labels, and processes specimens; verifies courier deliveries and specimen information; follows up on incomplete information or questionable test orders; and initiates intervention for unacceptable specimens when needed. It processes emergency orders within required time frames, prepares referral specimens for shipment, reconciles unresolved test orders, and helps ensure sample integrity. The role also reviews computerized patient information and daily logs, communicates issues to clinicians, follows safety and infection-control procedures, participates in quality improvement, and escalates issues to supervisors. Additional duties include assisting with new-staff onboarding, professional development planning, and attending training and educational sessions. The work may involve exposure to blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous waste, chemicals, communicable diseases, and other environmental conditions. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be used. Physical demands include occasional lifting and carrying of up to 25 pounds, standing and walking, sitting, and close eye work. Conditions and duties may vary by assigned work area; travel may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic computer skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Certification preferred.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to perform close eye work, including computer use, typing, reading, and writing.

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.
Maintain commonly used supplies and inspect supply levels to ensure availability.
Perform preventative maintenance on equipment as required.
Receive specimens and perform proper specimen registration and computer accessioning.
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 time frame.
Label and process specimens accurately, preserving sample integrity before distribution.
Prepare referral specimens for shipment to reference laboratories.
Reconcile outstanding test orders not resolved through standard operating procedures.
Participate in quality improvement and verify that samples are labeled and received appropriately.
Operate departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests and troubleshoot as necessary.
Review computerized patient information and test requests; check daily logs and summaries for accuracy and cancel tests as authorized.
Communicate issues quickly and respectfully to involved clinicians.
Follow universal precautions, barrier protection, infection-control, and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions.
Promptly address registration, collection, or processing problems using procedure manuals or reference materials, and escalate issues to supervisors as needed.
Assist with onboarding new staff as requested.
Work with the supervisor to formulate a professional development plan and attend educational in-services and training classes for relevant computer systems and referral testing.