Specimen Processor

1000 Owensboro Health, Inc.; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital is seeking a Specimen Processor to provide technical and clerical support across multiple laboratory sections. You will receive and process specimens, enter patient data, coordinate with providers, and ensure compliance with safety and documentation standards.

You will prioritize urgent cases, direct STAT collections, handle sub-optimal samples, and assist with data retrieval and reporting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required upon hire.
• Phlebotomy certification from a recognized program preferred.
• Laboratory Assistant certifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Receives specimens from patients, providers, couriers, and transport systems.
• Registers demographics and test orders into the laboratory information system.
• Processes and handles problem samples according to established protocols.
• Prioritizes urgent cases such as traumas, STATs, strokes, and inpatient/outpatient needs.
• Directs phlebotomists to STAT collections when notified.
• Maintains documentation, chain of custody, and data integrity.
• Traces and retrieves test results for providers and pathology departments.
• Responds to inquiries from physicians and staff regarding results and procedures.
• Operates pneumatic tube systems and ensures safe handling of specimens.

Skills

Critical thinking

Decisive judgment

Communication skills

Patient and staff support

Education

High school diploma / GED

Phlebotomy certification (CPT/PBT/RPT)

Laboratory Assistant (CLA/MLA/MLT) certification

Job description

Weekend Requirements: As Needed | Work Hours: full-time | Status: Full Time - 1.0 FTE (80 hours per pay period) | Entity: Owensboro Health Regional Hospital | Department: Laboratory

Job Summary

The Specimen Processor is responsible for providing technical, clerical, and operational support across multiple laboratory sections, including Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Blood Bank, Microbiology, and Urinalysis. This role ensures smooth lab operations by receiving and processing specimens, entering patient and test data, coordinating with providers and pathology teams, and supporting patients and staff. As a key liaison, the Specimen Processor facilitates effective communication between the laboratory, hospital departments, and external partners, while maintaining compliance with safety protocols and documentation standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Receives specimens from patients, general practitioners, couriers, and transport systems.
• Registers patient demographics and test orders into the laboratory information system.
• Processes and handles problem samples according to established protocols.
• Prioritizes urgent cases such as traumas, STATs, strokes, and inpatient/outpatient needs.
• Promptly directs phlebotomists to STAT blood collections upon notification.
• Handles specimens with sub-optimal labeling or quality, ensuring proper documentation and notification of appropriate personnel.
• Traces and retrieves test results from providers and pathology departments.
• Scans surgical pathology results to PathGroup and assist with data retrieval.
• Responds to inquiries from physicians, nurses, and medical staff regarding test results, specimen requirements, and collection procedures.
• Provides support and information to patients and staff via phone or in person, including those with disabilities or language barriers.
• Operates pneumatic tube systems for specimen and supply distribution.
• Accurately obtains reference lab testing information and enter order codes.
• Retrieves, prints, and distributes test results as needed.
• Performs general reception duties including handling deliveries and coordinating with transport staff.
• Maintains cleanliness of work areas and follow proper waste disposal procedures.
• Completes and signs Chain of Custody forms as required.
• Verifies licensure and signatures of non-staff physicians for compliance.
• Maintains a clean, organized, and professional work environment while demonstrating a positive and respectful attitude.
• May perform venipuncture as needed.

Skills and Attributes

Requires critical thinking skills and decisive judgment. Works under minimal supervision. Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Position Requirements

• Work Experience: A minimum of 1-year relevant experience required.
• Education: High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or higher required upon hire.
• Licensure/Certification/Registration: A certification in Phlebotomy such as (CPT, PBT or RPT) from a certified program as determined by the organization preferred OR A certification as a Laboratory Assistant such as (CLA, MLA or MLT) from a certified program as determined by the organization preferred.

Organizational Responsibilities

Supports Owensboro Health’s Mission, Vision, Core Commitments, and business interests. Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures. Executes all tasks and behaves in a manner consistent with a culture of compliance, safety and high reliability organization.

Additional Job Information

This job description describes the general nature and level of work required by the position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions of the job. Specific duties and responsibilities consistent with the general nature and level of work described may vary by department and additional related duties may be assigned as needed. Some duties listed may not apply to all employees with this job description. The job description is subject to change with or without notice, and Management reserves the right to add, modify or remove any qualification or duty. Nothing in this job description changes the existing at-will employment relationship between the Organization and the employee occupying the position.

Standard ADA Settings

Standard ADA Settings: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

Physical Demands: (Clinical-Office/Clinic) Standing: Frequently Walking: Frequently Sitting: Occasionally Lifting 0-25 lbs.: Rarely Lifting 25-75 lbs.: Rarely Lifting over 75 lbs.: Rarely Carrying 0-25 lbs.: Rarely Carrying 25-75 lbs.: Rarely Carrying over 75 lbs.: Rarely Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs.: Frequently Pushing/Pulling 25-75 lbs.: Occasionally Pushing/Pulling over 75 lbs.: Occasionally Climbing: Occasionally Bending/Stooping: Frequently Kneeling: Occasionally Crouching/Crawling: Occasionally Reaching: Frequently Talking: Frequently Hearing: Frequently Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements: Rarely Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements: Frequently Keyboard Data Entry: Frequently Running: Rarely Vision: Depth Perception: Frequently Vision: Distinguish Color: Frequently Vision: Seeing Far: Frequently Vision: Seeing Near: Frequently Hazardous Drug Risk Exposure: Risk Level: Low-Risk

Owensboro Health Core Commitments

• INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with a high level of responsibility, reliability and honesty because we take seriously the trust of our patients and coworkers.
• RESPECT - We value and accept the unique talents and contributions of every patient, customer and team member in the Owensboro Health community.
• TEAMWORK - We build a spirit of connectivity and fellowship by striving together to overcome obstacles, surpass goals, celebrate accomplishments and plan the future.
• INNOVATION - We foster original ideas and creative solutions that improve our daily work and promote the mission of Owensboro Health.
• SERVICE - We focus on service to patients, customers and team members by anticipating their needs, thoughtfully meeting those needs and continually improving the quality of everything we do.
• EXCELLENCE - We reach beyond basic expectations to expand our knowledge and awareness, produce exceptional work and provide outstanding service.

Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities we serve in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 200 providers at more than 30 locations; three outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a surgical weight loss center and program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.