Specimen Handler II

This is an exciting time to join our dynamic organization! BioReference, an OPKO Health company, is the largest full service specialty laboratory in the United States that gives healthcare providers and patients the power to make confident healthcare decisions. With a focus on oncology, urology and women's health, BioReference offers comprehensive test solutions and unparalleled expertise based on a 40 year legacy of proven science and exceptional service. Join our team and become part of the journey in making our patients and customers the highest priority

JOB DESCRIPTION:

As a Specimen Handler you are responsible for the quality / accuracy of your work. In addition, you must report to work daily and be on time. If you have questions pertaining to your responsibilities, please see your Supervisor / Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Specimen Handler experience preferred, but not required.
• Ability to work/maintain composure in high volume, fast paced environment
• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to read numbers and letters

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to stand / walk for up to eight hours or more
• Medium work of lifting up to 50 pounds and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Responsible for lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.

METHODS OF EVALUATION: Documented evaluations occur at the end of full training and annually thereafter.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work requires contact with specimens, water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids, and hazardous chemicals.
• Work is varied in nature with sufficient noise and interruptions to cause distraction and stress.
• Work requires sitting, standing, and/or walking for periods of up to eight hours or more.
• Work requires close attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
• OSHA risk factor: Category 1

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES - Duties may include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills that foster a positive environment
• Multi-task between different specimen handling functions (racking, pickup/delivery, centrifuging, aliquoting, and sorting)
• Understand strict quality regulations and adhere to prescribed SOP
• Adheres to Safety and Quality policies and procedures
• Maintain composure while working in a high energy level of production
Specimen Collection
• -collect specimens from all Processing stations and deliver to the specimen handling area
• Prepare SST specimens for automated (if applicable) and / or manual aliquoting.
• Place unspun specimens in centrifuge for spinning
• Place SST specimens on RSA for automated pour-offs (if applicable by location)
• Will maintain the system clean by performing all required maintenance procedures (if applicable by location)
• Will document all issues in the log book and communicate problem to upper management
• Will process and aliquot serum specimens manually. Maintain production minimum of 40-45 aliquots per hour
• Sort processed specimens into racks for delivery to the lab by pour off group
• Package and deliver specimens to other building locations (if applicable by location) with no importance of weather. May require driving.
• Data Entry of tracking delivered specimens inter-building (if applicable by location)
• Handler will prepare and aliquot urines manually and place in designated rack. Minimum of 35-40 aliquots per hour
• Keep all benches clean and disinfected at the end of shift.
• Check processing and specimen handling area to ensure no specimens have been left behind at end of shift
• All specimen deliveries are entered into the SmartSheet log via computer entry.
• Ability to distinguish between regular and "Irreplaceable" specimens
• Produce quality error free work.
• May be asked to train employees
• Make suggestions for process improvement
• Cross train with any/all divisions within Pre-Analytical.
• Establish positive patient identification
• Adhere to all department and company policies
• Ability to change schedule to accommodate department workflow.
• Maintain confidentiality. Adhere to HIPAA regulations
• Prepare and package specimens to be forwarded to remote labs for testing. (if applicable by location)
• Handle frozen samples appropriately.
• Temperature charts checked and documented daily.
• Any/All tasks delegated by Management