Specimen Processing Tech

Emory Healthcare; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, GA is seeking a Laboratory Processing Technician to prepare specimens for testing, maintain stock, and support timely test completion. You will follow universal precautions and operate computer systems for registration and routing of tests.

This role requires attention to detail, basic data-entry skills, and the ability to work closely with clinicians and supervisors to ensure accurate, efficient processing of samples.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with data entry, typing and basic medical terminology.
• Willingness to perform routine lab processing tasks.

Responsibilities

• Processes specimens for testing in a timely manner and orders tests as needed.
• Maintains the stock of commonly used supplies and inspects supply levels.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment as required.
• Verifies each sample is labeled correctly and received appropriately.
• Communicates issues to involved clinicians promptly and respectfully.
• Operates departmental computer systems to receive and order tests; follows up on incomplete information.
• Adheres to universal precautions and infection control procedures.
• Processes emergency orders (STATS) within required time frames.
• Maintains accurate computerized records and resolves outstanding specimens.

Skills

Data entry

Typing

Medical terminology

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Shift: 7a-7:30p Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Processes specimens for testing in a timely manner and orders tests as needed. Maintains the stock of commonly used supplies, performing routine inspections of supply levels to ensure adequate availability. Performs preventative maintenance on equipment as required. Takes prompt action to resolve any problem with the registration, collection or processing of all specimens including referral specimen using available procedure manuals or reference materials. Verifies each sample received is labeled correctly and received appropriately. Communicates any issues quickly and respectfully to involved clinician. Works with supervisor to formulate plan for professional development. Attends educational in-services and training classes for various computer systems necessary for patient registration and referral testing. Operates departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests as required. Performs troubleshooting as necessary. Reviews computerized patient information and test requests; checks daily logs and summaries for accuracy and cancels tests as authorized. Observes universal precautions, barrier protection methods and infection control and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions to ensure a safe work environment. Receives specimens and performs proper specimen registration and accessing in the computer. Verifies complete courier delivery. Reviews test requisitions and specimen labels for accurate information and orders tests appropriately; follows up on all specimens with incomplete information or questionable test orders. Initiates pathology resident intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed. Processes all emergency orders (STATS) within the required time frame. Accurately labels and processes specimens for laboratory testing; ensures preservation of the integrity of each sample prior to distributing. Processes and prepares referral specimens for shipping to reference laboratories. Reconciles outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures. Initiates intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed. Participates in quality improvement. Maintains computerized records resolves and troubleshoots outstanding specimens working Pending Report.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent. One year of processing experience preferred . Some computer skills, typing and data entry, and basic medical terminology.

Physical Requirements (Medium)

20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Environmental Factors

Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.