Department: Specimen Processing

Location: Trinity Health Ann Arbor

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision and following established procedures, orders laboratory tests in the laboratory information system (LIS), handles, processes and prepares patient samples for transportation and distribution to appropriate laboratories for testing.  Verifies patient and specimen identification throughout the process.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Education: 

 High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:  

Previous medical/lab experience preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients and other health care professionals.

• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when performing job responsibilities.

• Ability to work and stand for approximately 60% of work time.

• Organizational skills necessary to prioritize work.  Flexibility to accommodate task and location reassignment as needed.

• Familiarity and comfort with using computers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE
1.    Determines acceptability of patient specimen (condition, timing, container type, etc.). Consults Medical Laboratory Scientist when needed.

2.    Positively ID specimens against requisitions and appropriately labels specimens.

3.    Completes specimen handling and processing including centrifugation of vacutainer and aliquoting/pouring over of specimens.  Aliquots and adjusts pH of 24-hour urine specimens as required by location.  

4.    Identify discrepancies or missing sources and consult with nursing station or physician as needed. 

5.    Documents and follows up on problems.  Able to access reference materials and on-line manuals, when needed.

6.    Follows test cancellation policy and completes follow-up tasks as needed.  Locates specimens for add-on testing.

7.    Maintains minimum supply levels and maintains cleanliness of workstation and of the section.

8.    Provides input on policies and procedures.

9.    Assists in training new employees and students.

10.    Reviews and completes assigned continuing education documents.  This includes annual mandatory education and laboratory procedures review and acknowledgment. 

11.    Performs and documents routine quality control of equipment (centrifuge, refrigerator temperatures) as required by location.  

12.    Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships. Approaches conflict in a constructive manner. Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

13.    Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, associates, and visitors to Trinity Health. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places. Adheres to all hospital HIPAA and privacy policies.

14.    Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Trinity Health. 

15.    Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.