Prep Tech

Gadsden Regional Medical Center; Gadsden (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Gadsden Regional Medical Center seeks a Prep Technician to accurately process and label laboratory specimens collected from clinics, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities. The role ensures proper patient identification, verifies test orders, and prepares samples for in-house and reference testing, upholding regulatory and quality standards.

Key responsibilities include verifying specimens with two identifiers, entering data into the LIS, and coordinating with lab departments to

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in specimen processing or a clinical laboratory setting preferred.
• Familiarity with specimen collection, labeling, and laboratory workflow procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in basic computer use and data entry; experience with LIS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives and verifies specimens with proper patient identification and barcodes.
• Reviews orders for accuracy, completeness, and priority; seeks clarification as needed.
• Enters patient demographics, test orders, and specimen information into LIS.
• Distributes specimens to appropriate lab departments and ensures timely delivery.
• Maintains specimen quality by checking type, volume, and expiration; documents rejections.
• Packages specimens for referral to outside labs, completing required paperwork.

Skills

Specimen processing

Lab workflow

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Data entry

Medical terminology

Manual dexterity

Tools

LIS

Job description

Job Summary

The Prep Technician is responsible for the accurate processing, labeling, and distribution of laboratory specimens received from various collection sites, including physician offices, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities. This role ensures proper specimen identification, verifies test orders, and prepares samples for in-house and reference laboratory testing. The Prep Technician plays a critical role in maintaining specimen integrity, supporting laboratory workflows, and upholding regulatory and quality standards.

The Prep Technician is responsible for the accurate processing, labeling, and distribution of laboratory specimens received from various collection sites, including physician offices, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities. This role ensures proper specimen identification, verifies test orders, and prepares samples for in-house and reference laboratory testing. The Prep Technician plays a critical role in maintaining specimen integrity, supporting laboratory workflows, and upholding regulatory and quality standards.

Essential Functions

• Receives and verifies specimens, ensuring proper patient identification using two unique identifiers and affixing barcode labels accurately.
• Reviews physician orders for accuracy, completeness, and priority; seeks clarification when information is missing or unclear.
• Uses the Laboratory Information System (LIS) to accurately enter patient demographics, test orders, and specimen information.
• Distributes specimens to the appropriate laboratory departments and ensures timely delivery to meet turnaround time expectations.
• Monitors specimen quality by checking for proper sample type, volume, and expiration; rejects samples when necessary and documents appropriately.
• Prepares and packages specimens for referral to outside laboratories, including completion of necessary paperwork and compliance with transport regulations.
• Accepts and processes Cytology and Pathology specimens received in conjunction with clinical tests, ensuring proper handling and delivery.
• Answers incoming phone calls, faxes reports as needed, and communicates stat or critical results promptly and efficiently.
• Maintains supply inventory for specimen processing and referral testing; requisitions materials as needed to support daily operations.
• Follows infection prevention and safety protocols; ensures proper use of PPE and adheres to specimen handling guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in specimen processing or a clinical laboratory setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Familiarity with specimen collection, labeling, and laboratory workflow procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in basic computer use and data entry; experience with LIS preferred.
• Ability to understand medical terminology and common laboratory test abbreviations.
• Manual dexterity to handle small specimens and labels.