SPECIMEN PROCESSOR (20 HRS/WEEK, 1PM-9:30PM)

The Laboratory Specimen Processor is responsible for the accurate and timely receipt, identification, and preparation of patient specimens for laboratory testing at a busy hospital-based laboratory with supervision. This position ensures proper labeling, sorting, and tracking of specimens while maintaining compliance with regulatory and institutional standards to support quality patient care across the Riverside Healthcare organization. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

Essential Duties

Specimen Receiving: 

• Receive and accurately log patient specimens into the laboratory information system (LIS). Verify specimen integrity and proper labeling, ensuring adherence to established protocols. Sort, aliquot, process, and prioritize specimens for analysis, based on test requirements and urgency, including add-on test requests and send-out testing samples.

Specimen Processing: 

• Load patient specimens onto laboratory instrumentation for clinical testing. Prepare specimens for transport to appropriate testing locations within the laboratory.

Collaboration and Communication: 

• Communicate with nursing staff, physicians, and other departments regarding specimen issues and test orders via telephone, fax, instant messaging program, etc. Report atypical sample or equipment behavior or any deviations from policies and procedures to department leadership.

Safety and Compliance: 

• Follow safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling of biohazard materials. Participate in quality assurance initiatives to maintain compliance with regulatory guidelines. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.

Documentation and Reporting: 

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all specimens received.

Inventory Management: 

• Assist in maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies.

Administrative Support: 

• Support clerical duties, such as data entry or filing, as needed.

Flexibility: 

• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Required Experience:

• Meets standards of production and accuracy within 3 months of start
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow safety and regulatory protocols as per hospital and laboratory guidelines

Preferred Experience:

• Healthcare or laboratory experience preferred
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and laboratory procedures preferred
• Proficiency in data entry and familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) a plus

Required Licensure/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required

Preferred Education:

• None

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes: 

Compensation

•              Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
•              Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
•              Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

•              Paid Time Off programs
•              Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
•              Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
•              Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
•              Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:

•              Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Employee Health Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Multiple acids, bases, caustics, corrosives, and carcinogens, formalin
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Blood and body fluids handled continuously on a daily basis so exposure is very high.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: High risk for TB and other airborne pathogens when working with patient specimens

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed for communication with all coworkers and customers whether direct or via phone.
• Vision: Needed for computer operation and specimen processing
• Smell: Electrical/fire safety
• Hearing: Needed to listen to coworkers, customers, and patients.
• Touch: Needed for all specimen processing with a great deal of fine motor skills involved

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 25%
• Twist: 10%
• Stand: 15%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 25%
• Kneel: 5%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 0%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 10%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Supply stock up to 20 lbs - 50' maximum distance normally carried to fill cabinets from floor to above shoulders.. Lift printer paper and roll of labels to bar code printer. 

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 40
• Twist: 3
• Stand: 45
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 30
• Kneel: 1
• Lift: 2
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 0
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 2
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: often
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 3-35 lbs often
• Fine Manipulation: Writing, typing, pipetting, manipulating specimens for testing procedures

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Very Bright
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Fumes, Odors

Special Hazards: Electrical, Other - Chemical additives for tests, electrical shock hazard in centrifuges. Constant exposure to blood and body fluids. 

Protective Clothing Required: Gloves, lab coat, closed-toe shoes, occasional mask and goggles