Specimen Processor

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Specimen Processor processes laboratory samples for testing or research. The role includes checking specimen information for accuracy, entering information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) as needed, and ensuring specimens and information reach the correct laboratory department. The position also involves maintaining specimen integrity and requirements through processing, storage, and transportation; supporting efficient laboratory workflow; and following patient-safety, quality, confidentiality, and regulatory procedures.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Previous Specimen Processing experience.

Responsibilities

Label and process patient specimens accurately and distribute them to the appropriate laboratory areas.
Process samples according to procedure, centrifuge specimens, and prepare aliquots when needed.
Maintain specimen requirements and integrity during processing, storage, and transportation.
Dispatch specimens to the main laboratory or other designated testing facilities according to established procedures.
Print appropriate specimen labels and ensure that all tests on requisitions are accounted for in the ordering system.
Contact a physician's office or nurse for order clarification or verification when necessary.
Maintain positive patient identification and patient confidentiality.
Document accurate specimen information and receive specimens, enter orders, or look up orders using Epic Beaker as needed.
Contact the Core Laboratory to retrieve specimens for add-on tests when required.
Load and unload samples on the automation track and troubleshoot errors.
Monitor the pneumatic tube system, when applicable, and remove arriving specimens or reports.
Participate in process-improvement activities and use risk-management and process-improvement tools, including Event Reports, to identify quality issues.
Log specimens in archives for efficient retrieval and monitor turnaround expectations to organize work accordingly.
Keep the work area stocked, clean, decontaminated, organized, and free of clutter; dispose of waste in appropriate containers.
Handle add-on requests according to established procedures.
Follow Patient Safety Goals and applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements.
Follow the chain of command when reporting unsafe practices.
Review schedules and work assignments with the Supervisor or Coordinator; remain accountable for daily workflow, phlebotomy tracker status, assignments, and priority test requests.
Serve as a liaison and problem solver for phlebotomy issues.
Report to work at assigned times and follow procedures for requesting and using leave.
Train other Specimen Processors as needed.
Monitor pending lists, including the unreceived specimen list.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
Preventive healthcare coverage at 100% with no copay.
Paid Time Off, available day one.
Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
Paid Parental Leave Benefit.
Wellness programs.
Tuition reimbursement.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.
On-site childcare.
Paid holidays.
Wage and merit increases.