Specimen Processor

UPMC•Erie, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Be part of a high-impact, fast-paced team where every detail counts. As a casual Specimen Processor at UPMC Hamot, you'll play a vital role in supporting exceptional patient care by accurately receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens for testing. Whether you're monitoring incoming deliveries, using our lab information system, or ensuring safe and timely handling, your work keeps our lab operations moving with precision and purpose. We're looking for proactive, organized individuals who bring strong communication skills, focus on timeliness, and a service-first mindset. Familiarity with healthcare or medical terminology is a plus—but we’ll train motivated candidates who are eager to learn. If you enjoy multitasking, working behind the scenes, and being part of a team that makes a real difference, this is the opportunity for you. At UPMC Hamot, we offer comprehensive clear paths for professional growth through our career ladder. Take the next step in your healthcare journey—right here, where every sample matters.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Three to six months of experience in a clinical laboratory, physician's office, or other medical environment preferred, including knowledge of or experience in Medical Terminology and Laboratory Information systems.
Three to six months of experience in a service environment including call center, customer service center, or product distribution/fulfillment center preferred.
Good oral and written communication skills required. Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers (as well as co-workers) both by telephone and in person.
Act 34

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with healthcare or medical terminology is a plus
Motivated candidates who are eager to learn
Enjoy multitasking, working behind the scenes, and being part of a team that makes a real difference

Responsibilities

Demonstrate service orientation approach by conveying courtesy, respect, enthusiasm and a positive attitude in work situations. Show initiative and offer assistance in the completion of the department's work.
Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries to ensure timely processing of specimens.
Investigate and resolve any requesting mistakes or other specimen problems. Request assistance when needed. Complete quality forms for unacceptable specimens, requesting errors or other problems.
Separate by centrifugation. Label appropriate aliquot tubes and transfer as defined by policy; store samples at the appropriate temperature.
Determine and enter the specimen receive time into the computer. Answer all telephone inquiries concerning proper specimen collection, result, and normal range information.
Follow all regulations regarding health and safety concerning the handling of biohazardous patient samples or sharps to prevent exposure.
Verify patient specimens such as blood, urine and other body fluids with requisitions or labels, making certain that information on the specimens match any paperwork received and correct specimen.
Properly request in the Laboratory Information System laboratory information system if needed. Prepare, package and send specimens to outside locations as needed.
Receive, sort and prioritize ALL specimens according to the laboratory policies. Share specimens as necessary. Notify supervisor of problems and of any requests that need credited or clarified.
Disinfect the work area after shift and during shift, if needed. Participates in the orientation and training of new laboratory specimen processors. Perform routine technical and related clerical duties as directed.