Specimen Processing Technician

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 37,800 - 41,500; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is seeking a Specimen Processing Technician I to process, distribute, and assure quality of patient specimens. This onsite role runs Monday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

with rotating weekends, serving providers and clinical staff with test requirements and results. You will receive, store, transport, and verify specimens, log them into LIS, and perform pre-analytic steps including loading automation and centrifugation, while ensuring specimen

Qualifications

• High School diploma required, AS or BS in a physical science preferred.
• 0 years’ experience required; healthcare or laboratory setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process pre-analytical specimen processing and receive specimens.
• Store and transport specimens to preserve integrity.
• Unload/load pneumatic tube system and distribute specimens to labs.
• Enter receipts into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Verify specimen labeling and address variances per policy.
• Document cancellations in LIS and contact providers as needed.
• Process add-on tests and tests sent to reference labs.
• Handle specimens via pre-analytic automation or centrifugation.
• Perform quality checks to ensure accuracy before dispensing.
• Respond to inquiries from providers, nurses, and caregivers.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer skills

Team-oriented

Multitasking

Laboratory safety awareness

Education

High School diploma

AS or BS in physical science preferred

Tools

LIS

Pneumatic tube handling

Barcode scanning

Job description

The Specimen Processing Technician I processes, distributes, and provides quality assurance for all patient specimens. Supplies accurate information to providers and other clinical staff regarding laboratory testing, test requirements and patient results.

This position is onsite and the hours are Monday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with rotating weekends. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs pre-analytical specimen processing: Receives patient specimens from within the institute and outside institutions.
• Becomes familiar with patient and specimen requirements; stores and transports specimens according to procedures; ensure specimen integrity is preserved at all times.
• Unloads and loads the pneumatic tube system and accurately distributes specimens; does routine and stat specimen delivery runs to BWH laboratories; does specimen pickup runs from clinic locations at DFCI.
• Receives specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) by scanning barcodes or manual entry.
• Verifies upon receipt that all samples are labeled according to policy and addresses variances according to policies.
• Documents in the LIS any specimen or test cancellations per policy; contacts the appropriate provider or reference laboratories with questions regarding discrepancies with test orders or specimen containers.
• Processes add‑on tests according to policy.
• Processes tests sent out to reference laboratories; communicates with reference labs as needed.
• Processes specimens by loading the pre‑analytic automation system or via centrifugation, aliquoting, storing, and shipping per test requirements.
• Performs various quality checks to ensure all requests are accurate before dispensing the specimens to the appropriate performing lab.
• Responds to telephone inquiries to assist providers, nurses and other caregivers with lab test, test requirement and result inquiries.
• Performs all duties with accuracy and efficiency to ensure patient care is not compromised.
• Utilizes electronic system for faxed test results from reference laboratories.
• Reviews pending lists as required; addresses and corrects discrepancies or pending test results by contacting the reference lab and the provider as necessary.
• Processes bone marrow orders and specimens.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Develops knowledge to accurately and efficiently ensure all test requests are in the LIS.
• Understands lab safety policy and procedures and Department of Transportation specimen shipping regulations.
• Develops understanding of specimen processing for all specimen types.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, including phone etiquette; customer service skills.
• Basic proficiency in computer skills – able to perform essential tasks such as using a keyboard and mouse, navigating the operating system, managing files and folders, and using basic software applications like word processors and web browsers.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to work well in a heavily team‑oriented environment.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Capacity to remain flexible and multitask is key.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• High School diploma required, AS or BS in a physical science preferred.
• 0 years’ experience required; experience in a healthcare or laboratory setting preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Required: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Patient Contact: None

Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Pay range: $37,800.00 - $41,500.00

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).