Specimen Processor

UPMC•Cumberland, MD

About The Position

UPMC Western Maryland is seeking a Specimen Processor to cover the processing area of the Laboratory. The role receives, sorts, identifies, processes, and distributes specimens to technical sections. It also involves entering requisition information and patient results into the computer system, calling statistical results, answering phones, coding charge slips, training new employees, and performing related clerical duties. This is a full-time position primarily scheduled from 1:45 pm to 10:15 pm. Shifts every third weekend and holiday are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively by telephone and in person with customers and co-workers across age groups and populations.

Nice To Haves

Three to six months of experience in a clinical laboratory, physician's office, or other medical environment, including knowledge of or experience with medical terminology and laboratory information systems.
Three to six months of experience in a service environment, such as a call center, customer service center, or product distribution/fulfillment center.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate service orientation by conveying courtesy, respect, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude, and show initiative by assisting with department work.
Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries to ensure timely specimen processing.
Investigate and resolve requesting mistakes and other specimen problems, request assistance when needed, and complete quality forms for unacceptable specimens, requesting errors, or other problems.
Separate specimens by centrifugation, label appropriate aliquot tubes, transfer specimens according to policy, and store samples at the appropriate temperature.
Determine and enter specimen receive times into the computer.
Answer telephone inquiries concerning proper specimen collection, results, and normal range information.
Follow health and safety regulations for handling biohazardous patient samples and sharps to prevent exposure.
Verify patient specimens, including blood, urine, and other body fluids, against requisitions or labels to ensure information matches the paperwork and the specimen is correct.
Request laboratory information in the Laboratory Information System when needed.
Prepare, package, and send specimens to outside locations as needed.
Receive, sort, and prioritize all specimens according to laboratory policies.
Share specimens as necessary and notify the supervisor of problems and requests that need to be credited or clarified.
Disinfect the work area during and after the shift as needed.
Participate in the orientation and training of new laboratory specimen processors.
Perform routine technical and related clerical duties as directed.
Enter requisition information and patient results into the computer system, call statistical results, answer phones, and code charge slips.