The Specimen Processor receives, accessions, and prepares samples for laboratory analyses in accordance with approved Boston Heart Diagnostics protocols. The Specimen Processor will enter all patient demographic and testing information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS), label and aliquot bodily fluids for testing. Specimen processors will check samples and requisition forms for adequacy and flag discrepancies or issues. Handles, processes and prepares all specimens being sent out to Reference laboratories. Functions as the major communication link with the Customer Care unit, analytical processing departments and reference laboratories. Distributes the work to the technical areas of the laboratory. Other duties may be assigned.
Responsibilities:
Level I – Minimum
- Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling, processing and maintaining records.
- Accurately and efficiently enter patient data and test information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Verify that samples received are: labeled with the correct patient identifiers, the correct sample type, and within stability for the requested test(s).
- Operating automated equipment.
- Accurate labeling of patient samples.
- Aliquoting blood, urine, feces, saliva, and swab samples for testing. Pipette bodily fluid samples into aliquots of appropriate volume and sample type for their respective tests.
- Archive samples for storage and organize sample batches for testing.
- Prepare batches of samples for send-out testing.
- Handling problem resolution upon receipt of information from the Customer Care team.
- Outgoing tube preparation for shipment and dispersement to other departments.
- Practices universal precaution techniques.
- Performs various ancillary tasks to maintain continuous smooth operation of Processing Area.
- Take an active role in cleaning, organizing, and restocking duties.
- Adhere to established processing timelines.
- Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, reagents and material – notify supervisor, manager or director immediately when faced with shortage of supplies.
- Participate in special projects or assignments as requested by management.
- Communicate effectively and work closely with coworkers to ensure all daily tasks are taken care of.
- Escalate to Supervisor/Manager any issues that may impact production or patient care
Level II – Fully meets all Level I requirements plus:
- Manage issues and projects; resolve escalated problems appropriately.
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of laboratory operations, workflow, and trouble shooting.
Level III – Fully meets all Level II requirements plus:
- Provide leadership through coaching, mentoring, and directing team members
- Ensure adherence to departmental policies, procedures, and workflows.
- Assist management in organizing, scheduling, and prioritizing daily workload
- Serve as primary trainer for new staff and for retraining existing associates.
- Act as point of contact for questions or issues when Supervisors are unavailable.
- Collaborate with other departments and laboratory leadership to support efficient workflow.
- Identify and communicate opportunities for process improvement, organization, and efficiency.
- Assist with other lab tasks as needed, such as organizing freezer storage and discarding expired samples.
- Unpack specimen deliveries from FedEX/UPS/USPS/couriers
- Follow proper documentation practices for laboratory tasks