Specimen Processing Tech

The University of Kansas Health System; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System Bell Hospital is seeking a Specimen Processing Technician for nights (10:30pm–7:00am). The role handles specimens upon arrival, verifies patient identifiers and container types, and processes samples for the automation line while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities include releasing orders, receiving samples in LIS, labeling, and prioritizing work based on urgency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory.
• Phlebotomy program completion preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in specimen collection and processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Creates registration encounters and releases orders from HIS.
• Receives samples in LIS and prints affixes barcode labels.
• Ensures proper container type, centrifugation, specimen sterility and transport conditions.
• Prioritizes specimens based on clinical urgency and testing needs.
• Handles specimen processing tasks including aliquoting and storage.
• Assists with sterile processing, culture media selection, and basic preparation for automation line.
• Assists with training, questions from staff, and communication with providers.

Education

High School Diploma

Phlebotomy program completed

Job description

Position TitleSpecimen Processing TechNights - Full TimeBell HospitalPosition Summary / Career Interest:Tuesday - Saturday 10:30pm - 7amThe Specimen Processing Technician is a position within the clinical laboratory and microbiology that is responsible for managing specimens once they arrive in the department and handling multiple pre-analytical variables. Depending on the area of the lab, this may include, but are not limited to: positive patient identification, correct tube types, specimen conditions and integrity and how they affect laboratory results. The Specimen Processing Technician accepts samples in the laboratory and performs tasks including releasing orders out of the Hospital Information System (HIS), receiving specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), and processing specimens to include aliquoting and preparation for the automation line. The specimen Processing Technician troubleshoots specimen and order issues and communicates with care providers across the Health System. The Specimen Processing Technician working in Microbiology is responsible for performing pre-analytic functions such as: specimen receipt, sterile processing, specimen manipulation including sonication and tissue grinding, determination of appropriate culture media for different specimen types and plating. The Specimen Processing Technician follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards, policies and procedures, and participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.Responsibilities and Essential Job FunctionsCreates Registration encounters, releases orders out of HIS when indicated; receives samples in LIS; prints barcode labels and affixes labels to specimens.Completes order entry functions or paperwork as required. Ensures proper container type, centrifugation, specimen sterility, and transport conditions for specimens.Ensures positive patient identification, correct specimen collection and handling/transport; performs specimen processing duties and prioritizes based on urgencyEnsures the specimen and orders received are appropriate for requested testing. Prioritizes specimens based on clinical urgency. - Performs specimen processing duties including but not limited to: aliquoting urine and body fluid samples, supply storage, Kanban supply, inventory monitoring and storing patient samples appropriately.In Microbiology, uses sterile techniques to handle, manipulate, and inoculate specimens on to culture media, including but not limited to determination of selecting the correct culture media based on specimen, order and protocols, sterile aliquoting, sonification and tissue grinding.Assists in pathology specimen preservation, by adding formalin to specimens, and/or paging residents or providers as needed.Fields inquiries and communicates information in written and verbal formats. Answers the phone and provides customer service to internal and external customers following established standards.Consults Specimen Processing Coordinator, supervisor or lab leadership when appropriate.Assists other staff with processing questions or automation line issues.Assists with training new hires, students, or medical students, if applicable.Disposes of bio-hazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures. Uses and wears PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as necessary to perform job duties safely and minimize risk.Other duties as assigned.Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.Required Education and ExperienceHigh School Graduate6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory - working with biological specimensPreferred Education and ExperienceCompletion of a Phlebotomy program1 or more years of experience in specimen collection and processing.Required Licensure and CertificationIf required by position to be filled, must obtain Department of Transportation and International Air Transportation Association certification within 180 DaysTime Type:Full timeJob Requisition ID:R-57605Important information for you to know as you apply:The health system is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally-protected status. See also Diversity, Equity & Inclusion .The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need to request reasonable accommodations for your disability as you navigate the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know by requesting an Accommodation Request form using this link [e-mail] .Employment with the health system is contingent upon, among other things, agreeing to the health-system-dispute-resolution-program.pdf and signing the agreement to the DRP.Need help finding the right job?We can recommend jobs specifically for you! Create a custom Job Alert by selecting criteria that suit your career interests.