Specimen Processing Specialist Relief

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for patient care activities in the laboratory by

performing data entry billing client services sample processing resulting filing and laboratory procedures.

The major duty is to prepare patient specimens for laboratory testing which includes determining specimen

acceptability answering telephone inquires and multi-tasking while working quickly and accurately. The

person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which

will best serve the clients of the department OHSU and outside the organization.

Relief employees must be available to work at least four (4) days per pay period as determined according to the department needs

Specimen receipt and processing

• Loads specimens onto automation line for processing.
• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers.
• Accurately measures specimens records volumes and determines ifsample quality and quantity is sufficient for testing.
• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas either manually orusing the automation lines or stores samples for future testing.
• Makes slides for staining.
• Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work isreceived.
• Determines acceptability of specimens received and calls ward orphysician to clarify orders or advise of unacceptable samples.

Performs data entry for samples received for testing

• Checks accuracy of specimens requisitions labels.
• Performs computer entry in Epic HIS system.
• Handles and processes samples for many labs on and off campus.
• Accurately labels samples requisitions and appropriate specimen containers.
• Is responsible to see that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner.

Coordinates and prepares samples to be shipped to outside labs for patient care and drug study testing

• Enters test requests into dedicated referral lab computer.
• Fills out paperwork carefully and thoroughly to ensure accurate testing.
• Packs infectious shipping samples per IATA standards.
• Utilizes electronic systems provided by referral labs to transmit orders.

Other Duties as Assigned

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

• High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience OR

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

Job Related Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Training or experience demonstrating: a
  • 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).

• Two years in a clinical laboratory including sample receipt sample processing customer service multi-line phone use.
• Training or experience demonstrating proficiency with healthcare/lab information systems.

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends

and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by

stairs elevator tram shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids chemical hazards radiation;

working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective

Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.