Specimen Processing Specialist 1

The major duties of the Specimen Processing Specialist 1 consists of receiving identifying assigningaccession numbers sorting preparation internal laboratory distribution of surgical pathology andcytology samples slides and materials. The secondary role of this position is to provide technicalsupport for laboratory technical staff residents pathology assistants pathologists and other specimenprocessors. This position will also answer telephone calls concerning lab results specimenrequirements procedures time required for tests and preparation of specimens for other lab sections and outside labs for analysis. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor andperform their duties with an attitude which will best serve the clients of the department OHSU andoutside the organization. This is the first of a two-level series.

Perform accessioning/data entry for specimens received for pathologydiagnosis:

• Receives samples for testing.
• Checks accuracy of specimens requisitions and labels triaging as appropriate; logging them as per policy documenting specimenssent elsewhere.
• Contacts referring location for missing or illegible information and clarify orders; follows up to insure resolution includingdocumentation obtaining signature of person responsible forcorrective action and submission of Patient Safety Intelligence. Follow up on specimens that appear to be missing.
• Performs computer entry as per department procedure creating or sending the correct account and visit numbers selecting appropriate specimen type and entering complete and accurate detail.
• Creates billing accounts in HMS for specimens received from outside OHSU.
• Accurately labels request forms specimen containers and slides.
• Insures that all specimens received are accessioned and triaged in a timely manner.
• Seeks approval and communicates to appropriate team members for same day and weekend/holiday RUSH processing.
• Notifies appropriate personnel when priority specimens are received including frozen sections and requests for RUSH processing.
• Recognizes unusual questionable or lost specimens and seeks assistance from Pathologists Assistants/house staff/faculty/manager/ordering provider following to resolution.
• Communicates clearly promoting excellent customer service and teamwork.
• Communicates effectively with all customers including physicians nurses fellow employees outside clients and patients.
• Maintains a professional demeanor at all times even under stress.

Specimen slide block preparation and management

• Maintains orderly progression of specimens to the gross room.
• Maintains orderly specimen storage cabinets.
• Preserves samples/hardware and coordinates requests to return to patients research coordinators and legal firms.
• Retrieves and transports cassettes from the grossing area placing them in numerical order and loading them into the tissue processor providing photo documentation for quality control.
• Insures that tissue processors are setup loaded and/or started at end of shift.
• Maintains communication with the gross room personnel regarding fixation hold over specimens and provides work list updates.
• Coordinates requests for special disposition with Decedent Affairs Coordinator.
• Prepares stains and coverslips cytology and surgical samples.
• Labels slides with computer generated labels as needed.
• Reconciles slides with worklists and distributes following lab protocols.
• Retrieves blocks and coordinates with work list for tests ordered in LIS.
• Retrieves blocks for cutting of control slides to maintain supply of controls ready for use.
• Assists in the organization and filing of slides blocks and reports on site in remote locations (Richard Jones Hall and Iron Mt.)and archiving preparation.
• Pull slides and reports for weekly conferences.
• Prepare materials for send out and research requests.
• Store and/or return consult slides.
• Discards tissue following standard procedure maintaining adequate free storage space to ensure new specimens can be stored; includes fixed and frozen specimens.

Supply and Equipment Management

• Maintains inventory of supplies for all Surgical Pathology sections.
• Follows established procedure for ordering receiving supplies and documentation of supply orders.
• Prepares formalin bulk reagents and other solutions/reagents as needed.
• Monitors temperature-dependent equipment investigating equipment that does not meet required temperature standards and notifying the lead worker.
• Assists in equipment inventory recording and documentation.
• Operates and performs daily maintenance on multiple instruments and equipment.
• Prepares labels and packages EM and IF fixative for send out. Operates recycling equipment performs quality control and prepares reagents for reuse or disposal.
• Maintains cleanliness of frozen section stations and daily change of staining solutions

Other Duties as Applied

• High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses plus one year of college math or computer coursesOR

• High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experienceOR

• High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant Training program including clinical lab experience

Job Related KnowledgeSkills and Abilities(Competencies)

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques;
• Knowledge of laboratory terminology equipment and materials;
• Knowledge of basic math;
• Ability to follow formulas accurately;
• Ability to handle package and store laboratory specimens and materials;
• Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment;
• Ability to learn routine testing methods procedures and techniques;
• Ability to keep accurate records in conformance with laboratory procedures; and
• Ability to follow written and verbal procedures (instructions).

• Experience in a clinical or pathology laboratory setting including specimen handling HIS and LIS data entry billing telephones other data entry.

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nightsweekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratoriesand sites by stairs elevator tram shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids chemicalhazards radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and otherPersonal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing temperature fluctuations in thebuilding.