Specimen Processor

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Per diem pay

Job summary

UPMC Presbyterian is hiring a casual (per diem) Specimen Processor to support the Automated Testing Lab. Daylight shifts 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with rotating weekend and holiday responsibilities.

This entry-level role offers training and a clear path toward the Medical Laboratory Scientist title. The position handles aliquoting of body fluids, uses the test code database, and communicates with nurses and physicians about orders to ensure accurate and timely specimen delivery to the correct

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3–6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory or medical environment preferred.
• 3–6 months of experience in a service environment including call center or distribution/fulfillment center preferred.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and customers.
• Willingness to learn the processes and procedures of a clinical hospital laboratory.
• Act 34 licensure/certifications may be required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate service orientation and courtesy in interactions.
• Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries for timely processing of specimens.
• Investigate and resolve errors in requests or specimen problems.
• Label and aliquot samples; store at appropriate temperatures.
• Enter receive times and respond to inquiries about specimens.
• Follow health and safety regulations for handling biohazardous samples.
• Verify specimens against requisitions and labels.
• Use the Laboratory Information System to document and track specimens.
• Prepare, package, and send specimens to outside locations when needed.
• Receive, sort, and prioritize all specimens per policies.
• Assist in training new laboratory specimen processors.
• Perform routine clerical duties as directed.

Skills

Service orientation

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Are you someone with customer service, retail distribution, or similar experience looking to get into the medical field, but not sure where to start? An entry-level role of a Specimen Processor in the UPMC laboratories may be the perfect next step for you! UPMC Presbyterian is hiring a casual (per diem) Specimen Processor to support the Automated Testing Lab! This role will work daylight shifts (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), with rotating weekend and holiday responsibilities.

The Specimen Processor role is the gatekeeper for all specimens that come to the laboratory for testing and is essential to ensuring the accuracy of patient samples. Responsibilities include hands-on aliquoting of body fluid specimens, learning and utilizing the test code database, communicating with nurses and physicians about patient orders, and timely delivery of specimens under the proper conditions to the correct locations. This role has many unique job responsibilities that make it an interesting and fantastic entry position into laboratory medicine. All you need is a high school diploma, great attention to detail, and a willingness to learn the processes and procedures of a clinical hospital laboratory. This role can also be the foundation for acquiring the title of Medical Laboratory Scientist. We are willing to train dedicated workers to move up the career ladder within our laboratories. Laboratory positions are available for all levels of experience, from high school diplomas to bachelor's degrees and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate service orientation approach by conveying courtesy, respect, enthusiasm and a positive attitude in work situations. Show initiative and offer assistance in the completion of the department's work.
• Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries to ensure timely processing of specimens.
• Investigate and resolve any requesting mistakes or other specimen problems. Request assistance when needed. Complete quality forms for unacceptable specimens, requesting errors or other problems.
• Separate by centrifugation. Label appropriate aliquot tubes and transfer as defined by policy; store samples at the appropriate temperature.
• Determine and enter the specimen receive time into the computer. Answer all telephone inquiries concerning proper specimen collection, result, and normal range information.
• Follow all regulations regarding health and safety concerning the handling of biohazardous patient samples or sharps to prevent exposure.
• Verify patient specimens such as blood, urine and other body fluids with requisitions or labels, making certain that information on the specimens match any paperwork received and correct specimen.
• Properly request in the Laboratory Information System laboratory information system if needed.
• Prepare, package and send specimens to outside locations as needed.
• Receive, sort and prioritize ALL specimens according to the laboratory policies.
• Share specimens as necessary. Notify supervisor of problems and of any requests that need credited or clarified.
• Disinfect the work area after shift and during shift, if needed. Participates in the orientation and training of new laboratory specimen processors.
• Perform routine technical and related clerical duties as directed.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Three to six months of experience in a clinical laboratory, physician's office, or other medical environment preferred, including knowledge of or experience in Medical Terminology and Laboratory Information systems.
• Three to six months of experience in a service environment including call center, customer service center, or product distribution/fulfillment center preferred.
• Good oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers (as well as co-workers) both by telephone and in person.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran