Specimen Collector - Urine/Saliva

Job Summary:

The Medical Specimen Collector specializing in urine and saliva plays a pivotal role in healthcare by ensuring the accurate and safe collection of these vital specimens for diagnostic purposes. This position involves meticulous attention to detail in collection techniques, adherence to safety protocols, and patient-centered care. By maintaining strict standards and facilitating specimen transport to the laboratory, the Medical Specimen Collector contributes significantly to the reliability of diagnostic testing, ultimately aiding in patient diagnosis and treatment.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Collect urine specimens following established protocols, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.
• Instruct patients on the collection process and provide necessary containers.
• Collect saliva samples using swabs or other approved methods with attention to accuracy and patient comfort.
• Educate patients on proper saliva sample collection procedures.
• Greet patients warmly, explain specimen collection procedures, and address any concerns.
• Provide exceptional customer service, ensuring patients' comfort and well-being during the collection process.
• Process and prepare collected specimens for laboratory testing, ensuring proper storage and transportation.
• Follow safety protocols, infection control measures, and relevant regulations to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information and records.
• Accurately document patient information, collection details, and test requisitions for all collected specimens.
• Process referrals and complete Prior Authorizations when needed.
• Follow up on missing or incorrect information so patients receive the right reimbursement from insurance companies.
• Perform routine maintenance of phlebotomy and specimen collection equipment.
• Report equipment issues promptly for repairs.
• Clean restrooms and take out trash as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification or specialized training in specimen collection is preferred.
• Proven experience as a specimen collector, particularly in urine and saliva collection, is a plus.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Compassion and a patient-centric approach.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and specimen collection procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Specimen Collectors should have the physical ability to move around efficiently in a clinical or collection setting, as they may need to collect samples from different patients in various locations.
• Precise hand-eye coordination is essential for handling specimen collection containers, swabs, and other equipment accurately.
• While not as physically demanding as venipuncture, Specimen Collectors should have sufficient upper body strength to handle collection equipment and transport samples.
• Like Phlebotomists, Specimen Collectors may need to maintain focus and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
• Good vision is necessary for accurately labeling and documenting specimens and ensuring sample integrity.
• Adequate hearing is important for effective communication with patients, colleagues, and healthcare providers.
• Specimen Collectors should have excellent manual dexterity for handling collection containers, swabs, and other equipment safely and accurately.
• The ability to differentiate colors may be needed to interpret color changes in urine or saliva specimens accurately.
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication is vital for explaining collection procedures to patients and ensuring accurate specimen labeling and documentation.
• Specimen Collectors should understand and adhere to infection control protocols to minimize the risk of contamination during collection.
• Specimen Collectors may need to bend or reach to access collection supplies and specimens in various settings.
• Occasional lifting of specimen containers or collection supplies may be required.