Lead Specimen Processor

Lead Specimen Processor

Working directly under the Supervisor of Chemistry, Specimen Processing and Send-Outs, the Lead Specimen Processor performs a wide variety of technical, supervisory and training functions. Assures workflow is effective and efficient and specimen processing colleagues comply with applicable policies and procedures to support the provision of Laboratory services. Serves as a section resource to those staff working on the assigned shift. May assist a section supervisor in performing non-routine activities related to technical aspects of the position, including but not limited to, inspection readiness, quality management, teaching, scheduling and inventory management.

Supports organizational and department goals by ensuring safe and efficient Specimen Processing workflows are maintained. Responds to changes in demand, acuity and special circumstances to assure quality service by delegating, prioritizing and coordinating workflow. Escalates problems to the Supervisor of Specimen Processing or Lab Leader on Call if unable to resolve the problem.

Confronts and resolves problems occurring in the department. Assists in the troubleshooting instrumentation, equipment, reagents and patient specimens when problem(s) occur. Performs a handoff with the next shift upon arrival and departure; Reviews and reports to the staff of the incoming shift the status of any instrument maintenance issues that arose during the shift. Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems. Follows established department specific guidelines for troubleshooting procedures. Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.

In collaboration with the Supervisor of Specimen Processing, prepares weekly bench schedule assignments 4 weeks (at a minimum) prior to posting. Assures daily operations and staffing of the areas are according to established minimum/maximum staffing levels. Uses chain of command to escalate any staffing issues. Obtains staffing coverage for own or next shift when an unplanned absence occurs (i.e. sick call).

Assists the Laboratory Management Team in the ongoing monitoring of compliance with Laboratory and Hospital safety policies and procedures including, but not limited to, Universal Precaution and proper handling of blood and body fluids (PPE). Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies for Universal Precautions, Safety procedures and proper handling of blood and/or body fluids using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Assures staff wear hospital supplied PPE (fluid resistant lab coat, face protection, gloves). Documents on department shift reports/communication logs and information boards any identified safety issues. Notifies Supervisor of identified safety issues requiring follow-up. Assists in conducting safety drills for the shift.

Assists with the training and orientation of new staff. Assigns a mentor specimen processor to work with new employee. Assures a new employee is aware and understands the essential responsibilities to be completed in each section in which the new employee is assigned to work. Reviews the new employee's work activity with the Supervisor of Specimen Processing and documents the review on the employee's training documents. Reviews training/competency documents with the Supervisor of Specimen Processing communicating where and if additional training time is needed. Acts as a resource for the new employee in acclimating them to the organization. Maintains good relationship with all laboratory colleagues to facilitate the communication of new policies and procedures. Motivates, directs, coaches, organizes and coordinates technical staff on assigned shift. Provides opportunity for staff input and feedback at daily huddles.

Demonstrates knowledge of inspecting agencies requirements. Assists staff with the proper completion of Quantros incident reporting. Assures database entry in Quantros is complete. Assures that supporting documentation of incident occurrences are compiled and submitted to the Supervisor of Specimen Processing. Assists section supervisors with ensuring staff compliance with review of department specific policy and procedures as needed when changes occur. Demonstrates knowledge of location of all Laboratory and Department specific policies and procedures.

Receives, logsin, and assigns computer accession numbers to specimens (bloods, urines and body fluids) from nursing floors, outpatient drawing sites and offsite locations. Properly prepares specimens according to specific Reference Laboratory requirements, using all available reference books or calling the specific lab for requirements. Receives specimens into the LIS by scanning barcodes or manual entry. Verifies upon receipt, that all samples are labeled according to laboratory policy. Centrifuges and separates specimens to be sent out observing any special test requirements. Transmits a temperature-specific site batch report to the appropriate reference lab and enters the number and type of the specimen(s) sent. Submits cpt code(s) and cost for MTSO tests to the Specimen Processing Supervisor for billing. Correctly labels tubes with bar coded labels, double checking the name on the barcode label with the name on the specimen and affixing the label in such a way that the original name on the specimen can still be seen. Looks up all un-barcoded specimens in the LIS. Prints appropriate labels if ordered or contacts appropriate floor if no orders have been entered. Accurately and completely enters all tests into the LIS from downtime and outpatient requisitions. Documents in the LIS any specimen or test cancellations and contacts the appropriate physician or location.

Recommends appropriate changes to support goals and mission to increase efficiency and decrease expense. Assures that supplies are sufficient for ongoing processing needs. Maintains work area, restocks supplies, and notifies section supervisor of low stock. May assist staff in obtaining emergency supply of stock if unexpected shortage occurs. Acts as a general technical resource to Laboratory staff related to specimen processing. Provides input into and may guide troubleshooting decision making. Answers procedural questions. Ensures technical issues are referred to the appropriate section supervisor.

Processes specimens received when working the bench. Evaluates specimens for acceptability for proper testing including, but not limited to, the evaluation of proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria, the appropriate specimen container, a complete and accurate requisition or computer order, etc. Investigates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens. Prepares and distributes specimens to appropriate laboratory section for test performance.

Performs maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate. Performs calibration of equipment as required. Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment. Documents performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment. Troubleshoots instruments, equipment and patient specimens when problems occur. Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures. Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems. Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process. Immediately notifies a supervisor when unable to solve problems.

Seeks to expand their skills and knowledge of the Laboratory, the Hospital, and processes used in their job. Actively participates in the recommendation, and selection processes for technological advances, solutions to work processes and practices of the department. Participates in continued learning and possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures. Participate in department and hospital-wide activities in order to continue to develop in the role and within the organization.

Reports to work station/assignment on schedule, ready to start and works entire shift as assigned, unless absence/tardiness/leaving work early is pre-approved, or appropriate notice for unscheduled absence is given to the employee's manager. Helps evaluate work performance of indirect reports and makes recommendations for hiring, promotion, demotions, training, and other disciplinary actions. Participates in annual performance and evaluation process for indirectly reporting colleagues.

Working collaboratively with the Specimen Processing Team, ensures timely and accurate scanning of reference lab results into the LIS. Works to maintain our standard for entering reference lab results within 24 hours of receipt.

Transports specimens from specimen processing area to laboratory sections. Receives specimens from pneumatic tube system immediately, making sure that all specimens are removed and that the carrier has foam pads in it before placing it back into the tube system. Delivers routine specimens to appropriate laboratory within 10 minutes of receipt. Delivers STAT specimens immediately to laboratory sections after receipt of specimen.

Answers phones and gives reports to nursing floors, physicians and offsite facilities. Sets a positive customer service example for all specimen processors. Appropriately triages and answers questions. Appropriately escalates problems to the section supervisor or Lab Leader On-Call.

Minimum Education: Equivalent of four (4) years of high school education preferred.

Minimum Work Experience: At least 2 years experience.