Specimen Processor

Job Description

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Specimen Processor – Full-Time Evening Shift
UPMC Mercy | Kenna Laboratory

Are you detail-oriented and interested in a career in laboratory medicine? UPMC Mercy is seeking a  full-time evening shift (2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.) Specimen Processor to join our team in the Kenna Laboratory.

As a Specimen Processor, you play a critical role in patient care by serving as the gateway for all specimens entering the laboratory. This position is essential to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of patient samples before testing. Responsibilities include aliquoting body fluid specimens, utilizing laboratory test code databases, communicating with nurses and physicians regarding patient orders, and ensuring specimens are delivered under proper conditions to the appropriate testing areas.

This is an excellent entry point into the field of laboratory medicine, offering exposure to a variety of laboratory processes and opportunities for professional growth. If you have a high school diploma, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Join UPMC Mercy and help advance clinical excellence while compassionately serving our community. Whether you're beginning your career or exploring opportunities in healthcare, you'll be part of a team dedicated to quality, innovation, and exceptional patient care.

Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with rotating weekends and holidays.
Location: UPMC Mercy – Kenna Laboratory.

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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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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.

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• High School diploma or equivalent. 
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• 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. 
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• Three to six months of experience in a service environment including call center, customer service center, or product distribution/fulfillment center preferred. 
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• Good oral and written communication skills required. 
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• 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.
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Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
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• Act 34
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UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran