Specimen Processor

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Shadyside is hiring a flex full-time Specimen Processor to support the Automated Testing Lab (ATL). This is an entry-level laboratory position for someone with customer service, retail distribution, or similar experience who is interested in entering the medical field. The role is on the evening shift, from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with rotating weekend and holiday responsibilities.

The Specimen Processor serves as the gatekeeper for specimens arriving at the laboratory and helps ensure patient samples are accurate and handled appropriately. Duties include aliquoting body fluid specimens, using the test code database, communicating with nurses and physicians about patient orders, and delivering specimens to the correct locations under proper conditions. UPMC is willing to train dedicated workers and describes this position as a potential foundation for advancing to Medical Laboratory Scientist roles.

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 all age groups and populations.
• Act 34 clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Three to six months of experience in a clinical laboratory, physician's office, or other medical environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of or experience with medical terminology and Laboratory Information Systems is preferred.
• Three to six months of experience in a service environment, such as a call center, customer service center, or product distribution/fulfillment center, is preferred.
• Attention to detail and willingness to learn clinical hospital laboratory processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries to ensure specimens are processed on time.
• 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 blood, urine, and other body fluid specimens against requisitions or labels, ensuring specimen and paperwork information match and the specimen is correct.
• Properly request 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 or 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED