Specimen Processing Technician

The Specimen Processing Technician I processes, distributes, and provides quality assurance for all patient specimens. Supplies accurate information to providers and other clinical staff regarding laboratory testing, test requirements and patient results.

This is a full time position at Longwood. The hours are from 12:00pm to 8:30pm Monday to Friday with rotating weekends.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs pre-analytical specimen processing: Receives patient specimens from within the institute and outside institutions.
• Becomes familiar with patient and specimen requirements; stores and transports specimens according to procedures; ensure specimen integrity is preserved at all times.
• Unloads and loads the pneumatic tube system and accurately distributes specimens; does routine and stat specimen delivery runs to BWH laboratories; does specimen pickup runs from clinic locations at DFCI
• Receives specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) by scanning barcodes or manual entry
• Verifies upon receipt that all samples are labeled according to policy and addresses variances according to policies.
• Documents in the LIS any specimen or test cancellations per policy; contacts the appropriate provider or reference laboratories with questions regarding discrepancies with test orders or specimen containers.
• Processes add on tests according to policy
• Processes tests sent out to reference laboratories; communicates with reference labs as needed
• Processes specimens by loading the pre-analytic automation system or via centrifugation, aliquoting, storing, and shipping per test requirements.
• Performs various quality checks to ensure all requests are accurate before dispensing the specimens to the appropriate performing lab.
• Responds to telephone inquiries to assist providers, nurses and other caregivers with lab test, test requirement and result inquiries.
• Performs all duties with accuracy and efficiency to ensure patient care is not compromised.
• Utilizes electronic system for faxed tests results from reference laboratories.
• Reviews pending lists as required; addresses and corrects discrepancies or pending test results by contacting the reference lab and the provider as necessary.
• Processes bone marrows orders and specimens.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Develops knowledge to accurately and efficiently ensure all test requests are in the LIS.
• Understands lab safety policy and procedures and Department of Transportation specimen shipping regulations.
• Develops understanding of specimen processing for all specimen types.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, including phone etiquette; customer service skills.
• Basic proficiency in computer skills - able to perform essential tasks such as using a keyboard and mouse, navigating the operating system, managing files and folders, and using basic software applications like word processors and web browsers.
• Computer skills
• Ability to work well in a heavily team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Capacity to remain flexible and multitask is key.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• High School diploma required, AS or BS in a physical science preferred.
• 0 years? experience required; experience in a healthcare or laboratory setting preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Required: None

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Patient Contact: None