Specimen Processor Lab Tech

Job Description

Welcome To

Welcome to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is a world-renowned tertiary medical center known for its innovative technology, pioneering medical treatment and leading-edge research. A teaching hospital of Tufts University School of Medicine, the hospital provides quality health care in virtually every specialty and subspecialty, from primary care to cancer diagnosis and treatment to kidney and liver transplantation. It is a national leader in a number of health care areas, including stroke, weight management and lung screenings, among many others. Lahey also helps to advance medicine through research and the education of tomorrow's health care leaders.

About the Job

Position Summary:  Under the general supervision of the Laboratory Manager and/or Team Leader processes specimens, routes specimens to the appropriate laboratory for analysis, differentiates approximately 1000 tests currently on file, and is familiar with the patient and specimen requirements for these tests.  He/she responds to telephone inquiries from laboratory personnel, physicians, or other interested parties and resolves a variety of routine problems.  The specimen processor accepts specimens delivered by patients and verifies proper collection and identification.  Performs computer data entry by ordering or resulting tests, reviewing patient information, and receiving specimens.  Performs some clinical assays (urinalysis and blood gases) and the associated supporting work for use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.  Special assignments may include training of new employees.  Coverage includes rotating weekends and holidays.  Phlebotomy is required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities including but are not limited to:

General Laboratory

• Verify sample identification, acceptability of sample, assess integrity of sample, and appropriateness of order according to written procedures.  Inform Nursing, Phlebotomy and medical Staff about unsuitable specimens and inappropriate collection.

• Perform follow-up procedures on rejected/missing samples according to protocol.

• Operate centrifuges for spinning blood.  If applicable, transfer serum or plasma to a secondary tube.

• Deliver specimens to performing laboratory or prepare specimens to be mailed

• Demonstrate ability to prioritize work by completing assignments according to written procedures without excessive waste within established turnaround times.

• Perform and document required QC/QA procedures according to established protocols.  Recognize existing or potential out of control situations.  Consult with Team Leader or Sr. Specimen Processor to troubleshoot as necessary.

• Perform scheduled maintenance and required documentation on equipment. 

• Recognize unusual or unreasonable results.  Consult with Team Leader and/or Sr. Specimen Processor about abnormal findings, unusual combinations or difficult analyses.

• Perform surveys by testing, recording, and reporting results accurately.

• Record laboratory results (observations/interpretations/calculations) on worksheets, verify results are entered into the laboratory computer system correctly, and report STAT and critical values according to protocol.

• Assist as appropriate in teaching Specimen Processing techniques and Urinalysis to new colleagues and students.

Fiscal Management

• Contribute to department goal of optimization of resources and revenue enhancement.
• Appropriate inventory.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:  Baccalaureate degree with a concentration in science OR an Associate degree including laboratory internship at an institution certified by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Licensure, Certification, Registration:  Required with Associates degree, must be eligible for certification by American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry or by American Medical Technologists (AMT) for Medical Laboratory personnel.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: 

•Analytic ability to perform moderately complex tests, interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate & troubleshoot instruments used.

•Ability to identify and evaluate clinical testing problems and to effect corrective action procedures and modifications.

•Manual dexterity and acuity necessary to prepare specimens, screen specimens, prepare solutions, and operate instrumentation and a computer.

•Ability to concentrate for long periods of time, utilize good judgment, work accurately under pressure and handle stress to meet deadlines.

•Interpersonal verbal and written English language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians and other colleagues.

•Work requires the ability to perform venipuncture techniques.

•Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.

 SHIFT: Per Diem, 1st Shift

About Us

Beth Israel Lahey Health is an integrated system providing patients with better care wherever they are. Care informed by world-class research and education. We are doctors and nurses, technicians and social workers, innovators and educators, and so many others. All with a shared vision for what healthcare can and should be. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining top talent. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities in which we work and serve. With a team approach to care, we encourage learning and growth at all levels and offer competitive salaries and benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans.