Position Summary

The Specimen Technician I (SPT I) is an advanced-level position in the Specimen Processing department and is responsible for receiving, processing, and preparing biological specimens for laboratory testing. The SPT III ensures accuracy, quality, and compliance with regulatory standards while supporting efficient laboratory operations. This role will be more involved in complex processing and will also involve training and mentoring junior staff members.

 

Qualifications

Required: High school graduate or equivalent. Minimum of 3 years of experience in specimen processing or a related laboratory environment. Proficiency in performing and resulting urinalysis and microscopic analysis. Strong understanding of laboratory practices, medical terminology, and specimen handling protocols. Excellent data entry skills with attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to exceed 6,000 keystrokes per hour. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication and organizational skills. Flexibility and ability to adapt to changes in work assignments and schedules.

 

Responsibilities

Receive, label, and process biological specimens (e.g., blood, urine, tissue) following established protocols. Accurately enter patient and specimen information into the laboratory information system. Ensure specimens are correctly routed to appropriate departments for testing. Follow proper storage and disposal procedures for all specimens and biohazardous materials. Conduct quality control checks and maintain accurate documentation of results. Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure all tools are functioning correctly. Provide training and guidance to Specimen Technicians I and II. Demonstrate a strong understanding of all standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the Specimen Processing department and hold others in the department accountable for following these SOPs. Comply with all CLIA, HIPAA, and OSHA regulations to ensure a safe and secure laboratory environment. Demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of what resources are available and able to fill in for any function within the Specimen Processing department as necessary. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory. Identify problems with specimen types, missing information, etc. at order entry, assign the appropriate TIQ, and in most cases, resolve them. Demonstrate an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received. Complete all required documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe. Validate and verify orders for other employees. Perform result entry as required for TIQ/TNP resolution. Demonstrate proficiency in entering ‘bill only’ codes. Perform other duties as assigned.

 

HIPAA:  This position will have access to the Protected Health Information described below in order to carry out the duties related to the position at Hays Medical Center, based on the following criteria:

Primary – required (routine) to do the job; Secondary – required for the job, but mostly by exception; and None – no approved access

 

Description of Information:

Primary Patient Demographic Information (information used to identify a person): Name, Date of Birth, Address, Race, Marital Status, Religion Clinical Information (information that describes a patient’s health status): Diagnosis, Reports/Medical Notes, Test Results, Problem List, Procedures, History and Physical  Coding Information (clinical information that is in (alpha) numeric format): ICD-9 Codes, Rev Codes, CPT Codes Financial Information/Insurance (information related to insurance, billing, and payment): Billing Information, Payer Name, Payer ID, Account Balances, Plan Elements Covered, Payment Information, Payment Rates

 

Infection Control: This position will include initial and ongoing training in dealing with infection control. Training could include but is not limited to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, and biohazardous materials, as it applies to your daily work environment.

 

Patient Interaction: None

 

Physical Requirements

Working Conditions: Body Position - Sitting: < 40% Body Position - Standing: > 60% Body Position - Other: > 15% Level of Movement: Frequent Level of Lifting: Light (< 20 lbs. frequently; 20-50 lbs. occasionally; 50-100 lbs. rarely) Placement/Movement of Materials: Lifting Floor to Waist Frequency: > 25% Lifting Waist to Shoulder Frequency: > 25% Lifting Above Shoulders Frequency: < 10%         Repetitive Twisting Frequency: < 25% Climbing Stairs Frequency: < 10%         Pushing Weight / Frequency: 20 lbs. / < 25%     Pulling Weight / Frequency: 20 lbs. / < 25%         Carrying Weight / Frequency: 0-50 lbs. / < 25%     Awkward Positions Frequency: < 10%