Complex Specimen Processor- Histology

Major Responsibilities

• 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.
• Affects specimen requirements for testing and troubleshoots any specimen requirement or test request issues with submitting entity (laboratory/client).
• 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.
• 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)

• Placing hazardous waste into appropriately labeled containers and keeping containers closed when not actively adding wastes.
• Record “Start” and “Full Dates” on hazardous waste containers as required.
• Complete and affix hazardous waste labels to appropriate hazardous waste storage containers.
• Maintain Hazardous Waste Containers in the designated/documented storage areas.
• Report any spills, cleanup of minor spills within abilities and follow the Emergency Response Activities described in the facility’s Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan.

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.