Specimen Processor

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

UPMC Presbyterian is seeking an entry-level Specimen Processor to support the Automated Testing Lab. The role handles specimen aliquoting, test code database, and communication with nurses and physicians. It serves as a gateway into laboratory medicine, with on-the-job training and potential advancement within the lab hierarchy.

The position offers daylight shifts from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Willingness to learn processes in a clinical hospital lab.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate service orientation by showing courtesy, respect, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
• Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries for timely processing.
• Investigate and resolve specimen problems; complete quality forms as needed.
• Label and aliquot samples; store at correct temperatures as defined by policy.
• Log receive times into the Laboratory Information System and respond to inquiries.
• Follow health and safety regulations for handling biohazardous samples and sharps.
• Verify specimens against requisitions; ensure proper labeling and paperwork.
• Prepare, package and send specimens to outside locations when required.
• Receive, sort and prioritize all specimens per lab policies.
• Assist in training new laboratory specimen processors and disinfect work areas when needed.

Skills

Service orientation

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

High school diploma

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!

UPMCPresbyterianis hiringacasual (per diem)Specimen Processorto support the Automated Testing Lab! This role will workdaylightshifts (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.