Specimen Technician I

Position Summary

The SPT I is responsible for general support functions within the Specimen Processing Department. This position requires a data entry background. Functions performed may include but are not limited to Meditech, pickup and delivery of processed specimens to the departments, basic client service functions, centrifugation, aliquoting and preparing samples for transport. All functions must be performed with confidence, accuracy and in a timely manner. Job is complex and requires that employee have good organization skills and can learn and understand specimen types related to test(s) ordered by client. The SPT I must have to the ability learn and understand the compliance regulations related to test ordering which may change daily. This position is critical to quality for customer satisfaction. Additionally, since many changes do occur from day to day, great flexibility on the part of the SPT I is required. The SPT I will be exposed to many different demands made by the customer. The Specimen Processing Department is a production environment, with emphasis on productivity/quality standards and completion times.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Excellent data entry skills with attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to exceed 6,000 keystrokes per hour.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective communication and organizational skills.
  • Flexibility and ability to adapt to changes in work assignments and schedules.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Receive, label, and process biological specimens (e.g., blood, urine, tissue) following established protocols.
• Accurately enter patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system.
• Meets standards for production and accuracy within 6 months.
• Understands the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received.
• Ensure specimens are correctly routed to appropriate departments for testing.

• Follow proper storage and disposal procedures for all specimens and biohazardous materials.
• Conduct quality control checks and maintain accurate documentation of results.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure all tools are functioning correctly.
• Demonstrate an understanding of all work instructions related to the Specimen Processing
• Comply with all CLIA, HIPAA, and OSHA regulations to ensure a safe and secure laboratory environment.
• Demonstrate understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory.
• Identify problems with specimen types, missing information, etc. at order entry, assign the appropriate TIQ, and in some cases, resolve them.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services.
• Complete all required documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe.
• Perform result entry as required for TNP resolution.
• Reports to work on time and follows attendance guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Learns additional functions within Specimen Processing to allow timely progression to the next level.

HIPAA: This position will have access to the Protected Health Information described below in order to carry out the duties related to the position at Hays Medical Center, based on the following criteria:

• Primary – required (routine) to do the job;
• Secondary – required for the job, but mostly by exception; and
• None – no approved access

Description of Information:

• Primary
  • Patient Demographic Information (information used to identify a person): Name, Date of Birth, Address, Race, Marital Status, Religion
  • Clinical Information (information that describes a patient’s health status): Diagnosis, Reports/Medical Notes, Test Results, Problem List, Procedures, History and Physical
  • Coding Information (clinical information that is in (alpha) numeric format): ICD-9 Codes, Rev Codes, CPT Codes
  • Financial Information/Insurance (information related to insurance, billing, and payment): Billing Information, Payer Name, Payer ID, Account Balances, Plan Elements Covered, Payment Information, Payment Rates
  
  

Infection Control: This position will include initial and ongoing training in dealing with infection control. Training could include but is not limited to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, and biohazardous materials, as it applies to your daily work environment.

Patient Interaction: None