Specimen Processor

If you are looking for an opportunity to support quality patient care in an important behind-the-scenes role, this Specimen Processor opening is for you! 

UPMC Harrisburg is looking for a Casual/Per Diem Specimen Processor to join their team! This role organizes patient specimens collected by OR, outpatient, and doctor’s offices. This role prepares specimens for analysis or send-out to outside labs and enters specimen information into the hospital database. This role also enters requisitions, and orders laboratory testing.

This is an excellent position to explore or begin a long-term career in the laboratory setting! 

Schedule: Will cover shifts anywhere from Monday – Saturday from 6:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. This position is expected to work about 16 hours per month.

Purpose:
Receive, sort, identify, process, and distribute specimens to all technical sections. Enter requisition information and patient results into the computer system; call statistical results, answer phone, code charge slips, train new employees and perform related clerical duties.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.