Specimen Processor

If you are looking for an opportunity to support quality patient care in an important behind-the-scenes role, this Specimen Processor opening is for you!

UPMC Harrisburg is hiring a full-time Specimen Processor for their evening shift team. This role organizes patient specimens collected by the phlebotomy team, prepares specimens for analysis or send-out to outside labs, and enters specimen information into the hospital database.

This is an excellent position to explore or begin a long-term career in the laboratory setting! Hours for this role are Monday-Friday from 1:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., every third weekend, and rotating holidays.

Purpose

Receive, sort, identify, process, and distribute specimens to all technical sections. Enter requisition information and patient results into the computer system; call statistical results, answer phone, code charge slips, train new employees and perform related clerical duties.

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