Preparatory Technician I/II

100 Baystate Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Baystate Health is seeking a Core Laboratory Prep/Tech role to verify specimen identity, accession orders, and process tissues and fluids. You will label specimens, manage testing components, and ensure timely delivery of materials to departments and reference labs.

The position requires at least 1 year in a lab setting, familiarity with lab equipment, and strong attention to detail. Training and patient safety are emphasized in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• GED or HiSET is required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to operate in a high-volume lab setting.
• Basic knowledge of lab equipment and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Verifies identity, source and appropriateness of specimens and enters orders into the Laboratory Information System.
• Performs routine and specialized processing on various specimen types while maintaining proper preservation and labeling.
• May perform basic staining and prepare reagents.
• Adheres to safety protocols and clean, organized workstation practices.

Skills

High computer skills

Attention to detail

Timeliness and quality

Prioritization in high-volume

Teamwork

Lab equipment & hazards

Interpersonal skills

Medical terminology

Prioritize work

Education

GED or HiSET

Tools

Laboratory information system

Job description

Summary

Core level position. Applying a high level of skill and knowledge, performs a variety of duties involving the receipt, assessment, accessioning and preparation of patient specimens for analysis. Verifies specimen identity (type of specimen and patient information), and appropriateness of orders. Accurately accessions the specimen and orders in a laboratory information system and labels the specimen and associated testing components. Stocks supplies such as basic laboratory reagents and solutions and may perform certain staining techniques. Archives specimens appropriately and/or ensures appropriate aliquots are delivered to other departments or reference laboratories for further testing as required. Able to file and deliver histological slides appropriately. Able to respond to most telephone and other inquiries for laboratory test information, referring calls to other staff as appropriate. Has high level of knowledge of basic laboratory testing, equipment and techniques. Contributes to training of new staff and/or students. Adheres to departmental policies and procedures. May record basic quality control data.

Job Responsibilities

• 1) Verifies identity, source and appropriateness of specimen for the orders received. Serves as a resource to Prep Tech Level I staff and refers questions as required to the appropriate technical staff member. Accurately enters orders into Laboratory Information System and has good understanding of the computer systems utilized within service area. Ensures accurate labeling of specimen and any testing components with patient and test information. Uses high level knowledge of specimen volume/quantity requirements to ensure that appropriate prioritization is applied to order of testing and allocation of specimen to other departments or reference laboratories. Communicates and collaborates with other services to ensure timely, accurate and appropriate specimen allocation and delivery among services.
• 2) Following departmental procedures and instructions, able to carry out most routine and specialized processing procedures on a variety of specimen types (blood, tissue and other) using manual or automated methods, ensuring proper specimen preservation during all steps (positive identification, time, temperature, sterility, etc.). Uses judgment to select appropriate materials and processing algorithms based upon specimen type and orders. May oversee the work of Prep Tech I staff. Refers questions to the appropriate technical staff member.
• 3) May perform basic staining techniques such as Gram or other stains. May prepare basic laboratory reagents.
• 4) Uses Personal Protective Equipment appropriately. Through training, has basic knowledge of hazardous chemicals (carcinogens, caustic agents, radioactive materials, and bio hazardous substances. Where required, uses aseptic or sterile technique in handling and preparing specimens. Ensures proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. Per departmental protocols, properly cleans and decontaminates work surfaces and equipment.
• 5) Possesses high level knowledge of the laboratory equipment and supplies used in specimen processing, which may include centrifuges, processors, Isoplaters. autostainers. bacteriologic loops and incinerators, incubators, refrigerators and freezers. Applies good knowledge of troubleshooting skills. Responsible for using supplies within established outdates and for maintaining a clean organized and appropriately stocked workstation. Takes note of supply inventory and notifies appropriate staff member when supplies need to be ordered.
• 6) Possesses high level knowledge of the laboratory equipment and supplies used in specimen processing, which may include cassette printers, incubators, refrigerators and freezers. Applies good knowledge of troubleshooting skills. Responsible for using supplies within established outdates and for maintaining a clean organized and appropriately stocked workstation. Takes note of supply inventory and notifies appropriate staff member when supplies need to be ordered.
• 7) Prioritizes work per departmental protocols and maintains acceptable level of productivity. Supports the work of others by collaboration and teamwork. Promptly communicates issues that may affect quality of results, turnaround time or other patient or employee safety issues to the appropriate person.
• 8) In all communications/interactions, demonstrates good communication, customer service and teamwork skills. In all activities works with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Consults with appropriate technical person regarding any questions.
• 9) Maintains accurate records, quality control or other data. Communicates issues thoroughly, accurately and promptly.
• 10) Follows all departmental and BH policies regarding compliance. Observes and promotes the BH organizational standards of behavior.

Required Work Experience

• 1) Minimum 1 year experience in a laboratory environment

Preferred Work Experience

• 1) None

Listed Skills and Competencies

• 1) High level of computer skills
• 2) Ability to grasp and retain complex information and apply high level of attention to detail
• 3) Assume responsibility for timeliness and quality of work performed
• 4) Ability to work in complex, high volume environment and to prioritize tasks appropriately
• 5) Ability to work as a team with others
• 6) Good knowledge of lab equipment, chemical and biohazards, personal protective equipment
• 7) Possesses excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to work productively in a team environment
• 8) Good familiarity with medical and laboratory terminology
• 9) Ability to prioritize work

Education

• 1) GED or HiSET (Required)

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum $20.79 - $23.90 - $28.08

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Baystate Health

Baystate Health (BH) is one of New England's leading and largest integrated health care organizations, serving a population of nearly one million people throughout western New England. With roots dating back to the founding of Springfield City Hospital in 1873, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality and compassionate health care in western Massachusetts for more than 145 years. With more than 12,000 employees, a medical staff of nearly 3,100 physicians, and a net patient service revenue of more than $1.4 billion, the ever-growing health system includes five Massachusetts hospitals and the Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center in Ware: Baystate Medical Center in Springfield Baystate Children's Hospital (located at Baystate Medical Center) Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield