Processing Tech I

ARUP Laboratories; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

ARUP Laboratories, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, seeks personnel for Specimen Processing. You will learn proper handling of all specimens, perform data-entry, label and prepare samples, and ensure accurate tracking and shipment of materials across ARUP testing facilities.

The role emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, safety, and collaboration with the department to maintain efficient workflows and high-quality lab services for patients.

Responsibilities

• Reads and signs all department specific SOPs and Safety Manual.
• Attends Specimen Processing team and staff meetings.
• Immediately processes specimens as they become available.
• Enters patient demographics and processes specimens/orders using the appropriate applications.
• Orders all tests indicated on the requisition.
• Processes all manual and electronically transmitted tests on submitted paperwork.
• Documents additional information on requisitions/packing lists as needed.
• Follows department processes to resolve issues such as order EXCEPT TT or EPIC follow up tasks.
• Handles and labels all specimens and paperwork appropriately.
• Recognizes and handles all specimen types per procedures.
• Documents all specimen receipt information as outlined in procedures.
• Documents client-provided information on specimen labels.
• Ensures identifiers match on all specimens/paperwork and are labeled correctly.
• Performs routing and delivery of specimens to appropriate locations and temperatures.
• Operates the biological safety cabinet and centrifuge where applicable.
• Proficient in ARUP LIS applications and Accessioning/Shipment Tracking.
• Aliquots specimens per procedure using proper safety equipment.
• Is aware of ARUP and University Division locations, hours, and functions.

Job description

• Hourly rate is an estimate only which includes shift differential for nights, evenings or weekend shifts. Overall hourly rates will vary based on schedule

Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday (40 hrs/wk)
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Department

Specimen Processing 232

• Hourly rate is an estimate only which includes shift differential for nights, evenings or weekend shifts. Overall hourly rates will vary based on schedule

Primary Purpose

Works under direct supervision to learn the proper handling of all specimens received at ARUP's central facility and/or University Division and prepares specimens for laboratory testing. The position includes such functions as matching patient information, data entry, aliquoting, and scanning documents.

About ARUP

ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive. We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.

Essential Functions

• Reads and signs all department specific Sop's and Safety Manual.
• Attends Specimen Processing team and staff meetings.
• Immediately processes specimens as they become available.
• Enter patient demographics and process specimens/orders using the appropriate applications.
• Order all tests indicated on the requisition.
• Process all manual and electronically transmitted tests on submitted paperwork.
• Properly comments any additional information on the requisition/packing list.
• Follow department process to resolve issues when problems are identified e.g. order EXCEPT TT, EPIC follow up task, etc.
• Handles and labels all specimens and paperwork appropriately.
• Able to recognize and appropriate handle all specimen types per corporate and departmental procedure.
• Properly documents all specimen receipt information as outlined in departmental procedures.
• Properly documents the appropriate client provided information on specimen labels.
• Ensures all appropriate identifiers are checked on all received specimens/paperwork and electronically. Must ensure all match and all specimens are labelled correctly.
• Properly handles specimens requiring a reroute or to be shared.
• Places processed specimens on the automated track, or at the appropriate temperature for manual sorting, or delivers to the testing laboratory at the proper temperature if automated delivery systems are not available.
• Able to process specimens at all three temperatures and follow the appropriate procedures for all manual and electronically transmitted orders.
• Properly operates the biological safety cabinet.
• University Hospital Clinical Lab only: Properly operates the centrifuge.
• Proficient in the Internal Test Directory (ITD) or applicable test information catalog as related to accessioning and client submissions/inquiries.
• Proficient in all current departmental LIS applications and functions.
• Aliquots specimens according to procedure using the proper safety equipment.
• Knows ARUP and University Division laboratories and able to determine their locations, hours of operations, and general functions (or able to find such information using departmental information on Nucleus).
• Ability to make sound judgement decisions or checks with Supervisor, Lead, or Workflow Coordinator when needed, before making such decisions.
• Assists the management team in handling more complex processing needs including specimen searches and processing compromised shipments when needed.
• Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality. Maintains ethical standards in the performance of testing and in interactions with patients, co-workers and other health care professionals.
• Adheres to all safety policies and regulations including, but not limited to, proper dress code and using proper protective clothing and other equipment.
• Remains informed of all procedures pertaining to department.
• Performs cleaning duties as assigned.
• Assists with departmental projects.
• Central Processing: Proficient in the following ARUP applications: Accessioning and Shipment Tracking.
• University Division: Properly operates the centrifuge and ensures specimen acceptability and integrity per department protocol.
• University Division: Correctly prepares specimens for delivery between ARUP testing facilities by creating packing list according to specimen handling requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical And Other Requirements

• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Mobility: The person in this position needs to move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company/departmental policies.
• ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.
• Abide by the Code of Conduct as outlined in the ARUP employee handbook.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.
• Color Vision: Perception of and ability to distinguish colors
• Performance Expectations: Regular and reliable attendance. Reliable and dependable performance. Ability to work well with others. Ability to work all required overtime.