Specimen Processing/Sendouts

South Shore Health; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

South Shore Health in Weymouth, MA seeks a part-time Specimen Processing Technician to support the SSH Lab. The role involves receiving and logging specimens, labeling with barcode accuracy, and ensuring proper transport within the lab.

Expected duties include data entry into the LIS and reporting results to clinical staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: equivalent of four years of high school education.
• Up to three months of work experience to become proficient.
• Preferred Certification MLA - Medical Laboratory Assistant (ASCP or AMT) may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Receives, logs–in, and assigns computer accession numbers to specimens from nursing floors, outpatient sites and off–site locations.
• Properly prepares specimens according to Reference Laboratory requirements and centrifuges as needed.
• Maintains work area, restocks supplies, and notifies Supervisor of low stock.
• Answers phones and provides reports to nursing floors, physicians and offsite facilities.
• Generates and distributes laboratory reports as needed.
• Records daily temperatures of refrigerators and freezers in the specimen processing area.

Skills

Customer service

Data entry

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Requisition Number: R-23945 Facility: LOC0011 - 85 Columbian Street85 Columbian Street Weymouth, MA 02190 Department Name: SSH Lab Specimen Processing Status: Part time Budgeted Hours: 24 Shift: Day (United States of America) Under the direction of the supervisor, performs specimen processing, customer services and non–technical duties in the General Laboratory. Compensation Pay Range: $20.10 - $28.75

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• 1. Receives, logs–in, and assigns computer accession numbers to specimens (bloods, urines and body fluids) from nursing floors, outpatient drawing sites and off–site locations.
  • a. Receives specimens into the LIS by scanning barcodes or manual entry.
  • b. Verifies upon receipt, that all samples are labeled according to laboratory policy.
  • c. Correctly labels tubes with bar coded labels, double checking the name on the barcode label with the name on the specimen and affixing the label in such a way that the original name on the specimen can still be seen.
  • d. Looks up all un-barcoded specimens in the LIS. Prints appropriate labels if ordered or contacts appropriate floor if no orders have been entered.
  • e. Accurately and completely enters all tests into the LIS from downtime and outpatient requisitions.
  • f. Documents in the LIS any specimen or test cancellations and contacts the appropriate physician or location.
• 2. Properly prepares specimens according to specific Reference Laboratory requirements, using all available reference books or calling the specific lab for requirements.
  • a. Centrifuges and separates specimens to be sent out observing any special test requirements.
  • b. Transmits a temperature‑specific site batch report to the appropriate reference lab and enters the number and type of the specimen(s) sent.
  • c. Enters the name of the test and order code into the LIS whenever ordering a miscellaneous test send out (MTSO).
  • d. Submits cpt code(s) and cost for MTSO tests to the Specimen Processing Supervisor for billing.
• 3. Maintains work area — cleans bench, restocks supplies, notifies Supervisor of low stock.
  • a. Performs daily cleaning of work area.
  • b. Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed.
  • c. Assures that supplies are sufficient for ongoing testing. Notifies Supervisor where not.
• 4. Scans reference laboratory results into the LIS.
  • a. Enters reference lab results within 24 hours after receipt.
• 5. Reviews outstanding specimen reports for send–out tests to verify status.
  • a. Follows up on any overdue results.
• 6. Transports specimens from specimen processing area to laboratory sections.
  • a. Receives specimens from pneumatic tube system immediately, making sure that all specimens are removed and that the carrier has foam pads in it before placing it back into the tube system
  • b. Delivers routine specimens to appropriate laboratory within 10 minutes of receipt.
  • c. Delivers STAT specimens immediately to laboratory sections after receipt of specimen.
• 7. Registers all specimens brought directly to the lab utilizing the LIS.
  • a. Completes all required fields with correct information.
  • b. Verifies all information for accuracy.
• 8. Answers phones and gives reports to nursing floors, physicians and offsite facilities.
  • a. Gives reports accurately and completely.
  • b. Answers phone in a timely, proper and courteous manner, identifying oneself and location.
  • c. Transfers calls when necessary to appropriate area
  • d. Relays messages that are complete and accurate.
• 9. Generates and distributes laboratory reports as needed.
  • a. Faxes reports when required, verifying fax number and faxing only external inquiry reports.
• 10. Records daily temperatures of refrigerators and freezers in specimen processing area.
  • a. Records temperatures daily.
  • b. Notifies Supervisor if temperature falls outside of established limits.
• 11. Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies for Universal precautions, Chemical hygiene and Safety procedures.
  • a. When handling blood and /or body fluids, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be utilized in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases.
  • b. Wears lab coats, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
  • c. Follows safety policies for dress.
  • d. Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
  • e. Cleans and disinfects work area according to established protocol, during and at the end of assigned shift.
  • f. Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
  • g. Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
  • h. Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
  • i. Knows location and procedure for spill kits.
  • j. Maintains a neat, organized work environment.
• 12. Under the direction of the Supervisor, will help in the training and orientation of new employees.
  • a. Works with new employees to assist in training of departmental procedures.
  • b. Acts as a resource to new employees.
• 13. Technology – Is receptive to technological advances, changes and solutions to work processes and practices.
• 14. Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through acknowledgement, adherence and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety. The employee is knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are both in the Laboratory. See #11 above for additional performance expectations.
• 15. Enters all "add-on" tests requests according to procedure. Orders a redraw if unable to add on.
• 16. Reports to work stations/assignments on schedule ready to work, and work their entire work schedule unless absence/tardiness/leaving work early is pre-approved, or unscheduled with the appropriate notice to the employee's manager.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Education - Preferred Equivalent of four (4) years of high school education.
• Minimum Work Experience Up to three (3) months to become proficient.
• Preferred Certification MLA - Medical Laboratory Assistant (ASCP or AMT) Monday, Friday and E/O weekend Responsibilities if Required: Education if Required: License/Registration/Certification Requirements:

South Shore Health is a not-for-profit, charitable health system offering primary and specialty care, hospital care, home health and community care, emergency and urgent care, and preventative and wellness services. We are the largest independent health system in southeastern Massachusetts. South Shore Health brings together like-minded people who work “As One” toward a common goal of providing exceptional care the people of our region deserve. We unite top-caliber talent, technology, and service with the wishes and personal needs of patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans.