Prep Tech

Job Summary

Process specimens from Satellite drawing areas, nursing homes, home health agencies, and doctors' offices. Read and interpret doctors' orders. Obtain clarification of any questionable orders. Accurately enter patient demographic and billing information and order correct tests. Enter proper priority. Assure proper identification of samples. Accurately label specimens using bar-code labels produced by the Laboratory Computer System and deliver to the appropriate areas of the Laboratory. For commonly referred specimens, have a working knowledge of the collection requirements and preparation steps. Can communicate this knowledge to physicians, nursing and other personnel as needed.

Essential Functions

• Processes specimens; verifies that all information is complete. Accurately uses patient double identifier on tubes /swabs and labels and affix labels properly.
• Scans sample containers for expiration dates. Monitors all samples types for appropriate sample requirements. Rejects samples if needed.
• Has a working knowledge of the collection requirements and preparation steps for specimens
• Checks specimens on transfer lists. Accounts for all specimens.
• Distributes samples to the proper departments in a timely manner.
• Meets turn around times and productivity standards established for the department.
• Answers telephone calls and directs calls properly. Faxes patient reports as needed.
• Reports Stats, Critical results in a timely and efficient manner.
• Performs mini registration. Enters patient demographics accurately. Uses social security number (if available) to locate patients.
• Uses LIS to receive Phlebotomy collected and nurse collected specimens. Use correct initials, edit collection time, and enter comments
• Receives Cytology/Pathology specimens when they are combined with clinical tests. Orders tests as needed. Completes paperwork as needed. Labels samples and delivers to departments.
• Places orders accurately. Knows common abbreviations for tests. Uses correct priority for STATS and CALLS. Call for missing or unclear information. Complete a QI form if unable to obtain information.
• Prepares and packages samples that are sent to reference laboratories.
• Requisitions and maintains inventory of supplies needed for specimen processing and referred testing.
• Assesses the data for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients in special units or in general units which commonly care for age specific patients.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Less than 2 years previous job experience or training required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Finger and manual dexterity to handle small equipment.
• Finger sensitivity required to locate veins.
• Verbal ability to communicate with patients.
• Clerical accuracy in labeling specimens and completing requisitions for reference laboratories.