Specimen Processing Tech - Offline Processor

The University of Kansas Health System; Ishpeming Township (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System is hiring a Specimen Processing Technician for full-time evening shifts. This role involves managing specimens in the clinical laboratory and microbiology division, ensuring proper processing and quality assurance.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and at least 6 months of clinical laboratory experience, with a preference for those who have completed a Phlebotomy program. The position offers a dynamic work environment with essential responsibilities focused on patient safety and specimen quality.

Qualifications

• High school graduate with at least 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory working with biological specimens.
• Completion of a Phlebotomy program and at least 1 year of experience in specimen collection and processing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage specimens from arrival in the department through pre‑analytical processing.
• Perform specimen processing duties based on urgency.
• Assist with training new hires or students.
• Dispose of bio-hazardous materials following safety procedures.

Job description

Position Title

Specimen Processing Tech – Offline Processor Evenings – Full Time

Work Hours

1:00pm – 9:30pm

Position Summary

The Specimen Processing Technician works within the clinical laboratory and microbiology division, managing specimens from arrival in the department through pre‑analytical processing. Responsibilities include patient identification, correct tube usage, specimen condition assessment, and preparing samples for automation or microbiology culture. The technician troubleshoots specimen and order issues, communicates with care providers across the Health System, and participates in quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Creates 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 and correct specimen collection and handling/transport; performs specimen processing duties and prioritizes based on urgency.
• Ensures the specimens and orders received are appropriate for requested testing; prioritizes specimens based on clinical urgency.
• Performs specimen processing duties, including 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 onto culture media, including selection of the correct media, sterile aliquoting, sonication, and tissue grinding.
• Assists in pathology specimen preservation by adding formalin to specimens and 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 with the 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; 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.

Required Education and Experience

High school graduate with at least 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory working with biological specimens.

Preferred: Completion of a Phlebotomy program and at least 1 year of experience in specimen collection and processing.

Required Licensure and Certification

If required for the position, the candidate must obtain Department of Transportation and International Air Transportation Association certification within 180 days.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Kansas 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. The health system provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is required, applicants should request an accommodation using the provided form at [e-mail].