Preparatory Technician III

Req#: R24757
Category(s): Allied Health Clinical Professional, Laboratory
Full Time / Part Time: Part-Time
Shift: Second

Summary:

Applying a high level of skill and knowledge, performs a variety of duties involving the receipt, assessment, accessioning and preparation of patient specimens for analysis. Verifies specimen identity (type of specimen and patient information), and appropriateness of orders. Accurately accessions the specimen and orders in a laboratory information system and labels the specimen and associated testing components. Performs a variety of  procedure, preparing, troubleshooting and loading specimens on to automated specimen processing instrument.  Archives specimens appropriately and/or ensures appropriate aliquots are delivered to other departments. Responds to telephone and other inquiries for laboratory test information, referring calls to other staff as appropriate. Acquires knowledge of laboratory testing, equipment and techniques. May record basic quality control data. Performs patient registration and test ordering using multiple computer systems and using laboratory requisitions for inpatient and outpatient, reference lab interfaced testing and STAT specimens. Demonstrates a high level of skills for revising and correcting laboratory requisitions/orders. Accurately and independently disbands, batches, tracks and troubleshoots in SQ SMART.  Establishes and maintains good client relations by presenting a professional manner at all times. Ability to prioritize work. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills to work effectively in a team environment. Demonstrates accuracy with strong attention to detail and maintains acceptable level of productivity. Contributes to the training of new staff.

Job Responsibilities:

1) Verifies identity, source and appropriateness of specimen for the orders received. Serves as a resource to Central Processor I and II staff and refers questions as required to the appropriate staff member.  Accurately enters orders into Laboratory Information System and has good understanding of the computer systems utilized within service area. Ensures accurate labeling of specimens and any testing components with patient and test information. Uses high level knowledge of specimen volume/quantity requirements to ensure that appropriate prioritization is applied to order of testing and allocation of specimen to other departments or reference laboratories.Communicates and collaborates with other services to ensure timely, accurate and appropriate specimen allocation  and delivery among services.

2) Following departmental procedures and instructions, able to carry out most routine and specialized processing procedures on a variety of specimen types using manual or automated methods, ensuring proper specimen preservation during all steps (positive identification,time, temperature, sterility, etc). Uses judgment to select appropriate materials and processing algorithms based upon specimen type and orders. May oversee the work of Central processor I and II staff. Refers questions to the supervisor or Manager.

3) Receives, checks and tracks all specimens entering the main laboratory via couriers, messengers, and the pneumatic tube system. Prioritizes specimens to be registered and ordered according to protocol defining urgency of testing. Delivers specimens to appropriate department in a timely manner and handles/stores specimens for closed laboratories appropriately following procedures during off hours. Utilizes available resources including Sunquest MIQ, Supervisor, Manager and department contacts to determine or verify specimen  and specimen handling requirements have been met to insure accurate testing. Communicates extremely effectively with lab staff by announcing any type of priority or special handling scenario.

4) Uses Personal Protective Equipment appropriately. Through training, has basic knowledge of hazardous chemicals (carcinogens, caustic agents, radioactive materials, and bio-hazardous substances. Where required, uses aseptic or sterile technique in handling and preparing specimens.Ensures proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. Per departmental protocols, properly cleans and decontaminates work surfaces and equipment.

5) Possesses high level knowledge of the laboratory equipment and supplies used in specimen processing which may include centrifuge, refrigerators and freezers.  Applies good knowledge of troubleshooting skills. Responsible for using supplies within established out dates and for maintaining a clean organized and appropriately stocked workstation. Takes note of supply inventory and notifies appropriate staff member.

6) Accurately and completely enters test orders or “receives” orders into the laboratory system. Tracks and routes specimens to appropriate departments using the Sunquest tracking system.  Uses Sunquest SMART to locate specimens, view instructions on decanting and storage procedures. Enters appropriate comments.  Performs registration on specimens following all current registration procedures using both Atlas.  Accurately enters patient demographics, ordering physician, location and ICD9 code/diagnosis.  Utilizes multiple computer systems to include Sunquest, Outlook, Atlas, SRS, Salesforce.

7) Prioritizes work per departmental protocols and maintains acceptable level of productivity. Supports the work of others by collaboration and teamwork. Promptly communicates issues that may affect quality of results, turnaround time or other patient or employee safety issues to the appropriate person.

8) In all communications/interactions, demonstrates good communication, customer service and teamwork skills. In all activities works with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Consults with appropriate technical person regarding any questions.

9) Maintains accurate records, quality control or other data. Communicates issues thoroughly, accurately and promptly..

10) Follows all departmental and BH policies regarding compliance. Observes and promotes the BH organizational standards of behavior.

11) Enters all necessary information on SRS forms for Inpatients specimen investigations of unclear demographics or test orders and on follow-up forms.  Creates Salesforce case for investigation and follow up for clarification on outpatient specimens. Monitors Salesforce Queue, resolves and completes the specimen investigations, contacting Client Services for instructions or questions.  Troubleshoots specimens routed to SMART Problem SPOT, following up with resolutions to ensure specimen testing is performed or cancelled as appropriate.

12) Performs and coordinates centrifugation and processing of laboratory specimens to ensure delivery to appropriate departments following delivery schedule.  Ensures delivery of STAT/Time Sensitive specimens to appropriate department in a timely manner. Pages on-call Residents /Technicians during off hours for critical specimen testing.  Utilizes resources including Sunquest MIQ, Lead and department contacts, to determine specimen collection and specimen handling requirements to insure accurate testing.

13) Contacts physician or appropriate parties for clarification if order/information is unclear or does not match.  Accurately selects and orders tests under appropriate billing case. 

14) Answers high volume of telephone calls in a professional manner, providing test results, specimen requirements, accurate and timely testing information or directing calls to appropriate area.  Calls ordering or on-call physicians with outpatient test results when requested. Faxes outpatient results to appropriate destinations when requested by ordering physician(s).

15) Participates in training of new employees and students.  Has ability to maintain accurate orientation records and appropriate evaluations of trainees and submits them in a timely manner to appropriate supervisor.  Completes assigned reading/special projects/duties within established time. Completes educational assignments within deadlines.

16) Assumes charge person role in the absence of the supervisor or manager and may participate in on call rotation if necessary. 

Required Work Experience:

1) Minimum 3 years experience in a laboratory environment.

Preferred Work Experience:

1) None listed.

Skills and Competences:

1) High level of computer skills. 

2) Ability to grasp and retain complex information and apply high level of attention to detail.

3) Assume responsibility for timeliness and quality of work performed.

4) Ability to work in complex, high volume environment and to prioritize tasks appropriately.

5) Ability to work as a team with others. Good knowledge of lab equipment, chemical and biohazards, personal protective equipment. 

6) Possesses excellent interpersonal and organizational skills to work productively in a team environment.

7) Good familiarity with medical and laboratory terminology.

8) Ability to prioritize work.

You Belong At Baystate

At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity and equity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff. It makes us not just an organization, but also a community where you belong. It is how we advance the care and enhance the lives of all people.

DIVERSE TEAMS. DIVERSE PATIENTS. DIVERSE LOCATIONS.

Education:

GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

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