Complex Specimen Processor

Job Summary

We are seeking a Complex Specimen Processor to ensure high quality, efficient care for all patients. This role involves managing all inbound and outbound microbiology, histology, and cytology samples, including tracking, accessioning, processing, problem specimens, and preparation for submission to referral laboratories.

Qualifications

• Less than a High School Diploma/GED required
• Vocational/Technical Degree preferred
• Less than 1 year of experience required
• 1-3 years in a market or commercial clinical laboratory setting preferred

What You Will Do

• Tracks samples submitted from hospitals through receipt in laboratory
• Follows up with courier service to address any missing samples in a timely manner
• Receives laboratory specimens into the laboratory/pathology information system
• Ensures positive patient identification in handling and labeling of specimens
• Performs registration and order entry procedures, as requested, with accuracy, and in a timely manner
• Lables specimens and aliquots according to established protocols and according to testing ordered
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of specimen collection, storage, transportation, and testing requirements as well as specimen rejection criteria
• Centrifuges and aliquots specimens appropriately, based on specimen type and tests ordered
• Prepares specimens to be ready for courier pick-up and includes special instructions as requested by physician orders
• Discards laboratory specimens according to established schedule
• Performs periodic preventive maintenance and quality assurance procedures as assigned
• Keeps appropriate records/documentation relating to specimen problems and other problems encountered, takes corrective action as necessary to ensure validity and accuracy of testing
• Cleans the area upon emergency spills of specimens
• Referral Testing Functions: Assesses specimen requirements for referral testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement and/or referral testing specimen or order entry issues. Processes, sorts, and prepares specimens for submission to referral laboratories for testing in accordance with specimen requirements for tests ordered. Regularly monitors and reviews the status of referred testing to assure that results are received and made available to physicians within established turnaround times. Reviews Outstanding Specimen Report (OSR) and pending referral testing issues; takes action as appropriate. Communicates and troubleshoots any problem specimens in a timely manner.
• Hazardous Waste Handling Functions (as applicable): Places hazardous waste into appropriately labeled containers and keeps containers closed when not actively adding wastes. Records “Start” and “Full Dates” on hazardous waste containers as required. Complete and affix hazardous waste labels to appropriate hazardous waste storage containers. Maintains Hazardous Waste Containers in the designated/documented storage areas. Reports any spills, cleanup of minor spills within abilities and follows the Emergency Response Activities described in the facility’s Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling
• Education support through tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing

About HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services

HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services provides clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services to hospitals, physicians, and clients. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital based rapid-response laboratories present in four HCA Healthcare divisions within the state of Florida. Our core laboratories support more than 250 acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers and commercial accounts. HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.