Specimen Processor

UPMC; Pittsburgh, Northern (Allegheny County, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Shadyside is hiring an entry-level Specimen Processor for the Automated Testing Lab (ATL). The role offers a flex full-time schedule with evening shift hours from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

and rotating weekends/holidays. Training is available to help you advance within the laboratory family. Responsibilities include handling body fluid specimens, learning the test code database, communicating with nurses and physicians, and delivering specimens under proper conditions.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma and willingness to learn the processes and procedures of a clinical hospital laboratory.
• Excellent attention to detail is essential for accurate specimen handling and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pneumatic tube and courier deliveries to ensure timely processing of specimens.
• Investigate and resolve any requesting mistakes or other specimen problems.
• Separate by centrifugation; label aliquot tubes and transfer as defined by policy; store samples properly.
• Determine and enter the specimen receive time into the computer; respond to telephone inquiries about specimens and results.
• Follow health and safety regulations for handling biohazardous samples and sharps.
• Verify patient specimens against requisitions or labels to ensure matching information.
• Prepare, package and send specimens to outside locations as needed.
• Receive, sort and prioritize all specimens according to laboratory policies.
• Assist in training new laboratory specimen processors and perform routine clerical duties.

Skills

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

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!

UPMC Shadyside is hiring aflex full-timeSpecimen Processor to support the Automated Testing Lab (ATL)! This role will workeveningshifthours (1:30 p.m. to 10 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:

• 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.