Sr. Specimen Technician - Hospital
About The Position
The Senior Hospital Specimen Associate prepares patient specimens at a hospital location, either as the sole senior associate at the site or as the leader of a senior associate work team. The role performs specimen-associate duties proficiently and handles advanced problem resolution. It requires meticulous customer service, effective communication, collaboration, and quality service. The position supports specimen processing and test send-outs, including test ordering, hospital processing procedures, specimen requirements, sample preparation, use of Quantum and the client-specific hospital LIS, report printing, specimen-flow tracking, supply ordering, and remote accessioning where applicable. It also resolves specimen and client issues, manages pending tests, monitors and reports quality data, and escalates trends in quality or service. The role manages inbound calls and communicates with hospital staff, the Hospital Lab Manager, Quest Diagnostics sales, and other organizational functions. It conveys specimen troubleshooting, test cancellations and requirements, billing requirements, test-down or delay notices, and Quanum downtime notices, and coordinates technical consultation based on the performing laboratory. This is an onsite hospital position in Edinburg, Texas, scheduled Monday through Friday from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM, with rotational weekends. Pay starts at $17.20 per hour. The employee may be eligible for shift differentials of 10% for some or all second-shift hours and 15% for some or all third-shift hours. Eligible candidates may also receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of work experience, including previous specimen-processing experience in a laboratory.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Data-entry ability of 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes per hour.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work in a production environment.
- Command of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills for a client-facing role.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff at all levels and maintain composure under pressure.
- Good judgment when resolving problems, flexibility, and ability to adapt to change.
- Ability to work in a biohazard environment while practicing good safety habits.
- Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
Nice To Haves
- Medical background, including clinical laboratory medical terminology.
- Previous experience in a production environment.
- Knowledge of or experience with hospital LIS systems.
Responsibilities
- Prepare patient specimens at a hospital location as the sole senior associate or as the leader of a senior associate work team.
- Apply test-ordering policies, hospital processing procedures, specimen requirements, sample-preparation procedures, Quantum, and compliance/legal requirements.
- Use the client-specific hospital LIS and print Quest-performed testing reports.
- Interpret specimen flow and tracking data using available reports and resources.
- Order supplies and perform remote accessioning (pre-accessioning) when applicable.
- Troubleshoot specimen types, missing information, TIQ, TNP, additional sample requests, and other client issues within the area of responsibility.
- Manage Quest pending tests and interface test pending management.
- Identify and document data-entry defects, maintain and report department quality data, and contribute to compliance audits and Best Practice Team reports.
- Identify and escalate quality or service issue trends and provide appropriate feedback to supervisors or managers.
- Manage inbound calls and provide positive client interactions.
- Communicate and collaborate with the Hospital Lab Manager, Quest Diagnostics sales team, and other organizational functions.
- Communicate specimen problem-solving information, test cancellations, testing requirements, and billing requirements to hospital staff.
- Provide test-down/test-delay and Quanum downtime notifications.
- Coordinate technical consultation based on the performing laboratory.
- Relay client concerns to Quest Diagnostics supervisors and sales, and participate in account sales/operations reviews.
Benefits
- Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
- Well-being programs.
- Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
- healthyMINDS mental health program.
- Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
- Six holidays plus one MyDay off.
- FinFit financial coaching and services.
- 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Life and disability insurance, with a buy-up option.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Annual incentive plans.
- Matching gifts program.
- Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
- Career advancement opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
