Specimen Processing at Oregon Health & Science Portland, Oregon

Specimen Processing Specialist

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for patient care activities in the laboratory by performing data entry, billing, client services, sample processing, resulting, filing, and laboratory procedures.

The major duty is to prepare patient specimens for laboratory testing, which includes determining specimen acceptability, answering telephone inquires, and multi-tasking while working quickly and accurately. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which will best serve the clients of the department, OHSU, and outside the organization.

Specimen receipt and processing

• Loads specimens onto automation line for processing.
• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers.
• Accurately measures specimens, records volumes, and determines if sample quality and quantity is sufficient for testing.
• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas either manually or using the automation lines, or stores samples for future testing.
• Makes slides for staining.
• Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work is received.
• Determines acceptability of specimens received and calls ward or physician to clarify orders or advise of unacceptable samples.

Performs data entry for samples received for testing

• Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions, labels.
• Performs computer entry in Epic HIS system.
• Handles and processes samples for many labs on and off campus.
• Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers.
• Is responsible to see that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner.

Coordinates and prepares samples to be shipped to outside labs for patient care and drug study testing

• Enters test requests into dedicated referral lab computer.
• Fills out paperwork carefully and thoroughly to ensure accurate testing.
• Packs infectious shipping samples per IATA standards.
• Utilizes electronic systems provided by referral labs to transmit orders.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses, plus one year of college math or computer courses OR
• High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience OR
• High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant Training program including clinical lab experience.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Training or experience demonstrating:
• knowledge of basic laboratory techniques;
• knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and materials;
• knowledge of basic math;
• ability to follow formulas accurately;
• ability to handle, package, and store laboratory specimens and materials;
• ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment;
• ability to learn routine testing methods, procedures, and techniques;
• ability to keep accurate records in conformance with laboratory procedures; and
• ability to follow written and verbal procedures (instructions).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Two years in a clinical laboratory including sample receipt, sample processing, customer service, multi-line phone use.
• Training or experience demonstrating proficiency with healthcare/lab information systems.

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.