Lab Specimen Processor

Lab Specimen Processor

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND 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

Qualifications

Level I – Minimum

• High School Diploma
• Attention to detail
• Ability to accurately follow and remember written instructions
• Ability to type 55 WPM
• Computer literacy and typing accuracy
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a team
• Ability to change and move in a fast-paced environment
• Comply with all safety guidelines
• Willingness to work on automated and manual platforms
• Willingness to work with potentially infectious human blood and bodily fluids
• Ability to apply learned concepts to troubleshoot novel situations
• Initiative to always prioritize patient care
• Reliable and punctual
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Keep an organized and clean shared workspace
• Able to work independently under general supervision

Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:

• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.

Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:

• Ability to direct other Associates as required.
• Ability to manage the daily workload as required.
• Ability to assist Management in providing overall direction of workflow for Specimen Processing and Support Services as needed.
• Ability to ensure applicable SOPs are being utilized and followed appropriately.
• Help with weekly scheduling of staff.
• Serve as the primary trainer for new Specimen Processors or re-training of existing Specimen Processors
• Ability to accurately answer questions when Supervisor is unavailable.
• Ability to interact with other departments as necessary and develop relationships with other Lab Leadership and Management as it relates to work processes and workflow.
• Ability to communicate concerns/needs as necessary to Supervisor.
• Aid Supervisor with areas of improvement in workflow or organization, etc.
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Occasional schedule flexibility
• Strong understanding of Good Documentation/Laboratory Practices
• Knowledge of HIPAA requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good hand-eye coordination

ADDITIONAL SKILLS REQUIRED

• Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate manual and automated single and multichannel pipettes.
• Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting.
• Ability to continuously operate a computer, analytical instrument, or liquid handling platform for extended periods of time.
• Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgements and decisions.

Additional Information

Schedule:

• Wednesday - Saturday, 8AM-6:30PM (10 hr shifts)

What we offer:

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins USA Clinical Diagnostics is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.