Specimen Processor - UPMC Carlisle

UPMC•Carlisle, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves receiving, sorting, identifying, processing, and distributing specimens to all technical sections. The Specimen Processor will also enter requisition information and patient results into the computer system, handle statistical results, answer phones, code charge slips, train new employees, and perform related clerical duties. A key aspect of this position is demonstrating a service-oriented approach with courtesy, respect, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. The role requires initiative, offering assistance, and ensuring timely processing of specimens through monitoring pneumatic tube and courier deliveries. Problem-solving skills are essential for investigating and resolving requesting mistakes or other specimen issues, and completing quality forms for unacceptable specimens or errors. Responsibilities include separating specimens by centrifugation, labeling aliquot tubes, transferring samples, and storing them at the appropriate temperature. The processor will determine and enter specimen receive times, answer telephone inquiries regarding specimen collection, results, and normal ranges, and adhere to health and safety regulations for handling biohazardous materials. Verification of patient specimens against requisitions, preparing and packaging specimens for outside locations, and prioritizing all specimens according to laboratory policies are also key duties. The role includes disinfecting the work area, participating in the orientation and training of new employees, and performing routine technical and clerical duties as directed.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.