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Owensboro, Kentucky, United States
Onsite
Job Summary
The Specimen Processor is responsible for providing technical, clerical, and operational support across multiple laboratory sections, including Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Blood Bank, Microbiology, and Urinalysis. This role ensures smooth lab operations by receiving and processing specimens, entering patient and test data, coordinating with providers and pathology teams, and supporting patients and staff. As a key liaison, the Specimen Processor facilitates effective communication between the laboratory, hospital departments, and external partners, while maintaining compliance with safety protocols and documentation standards.
Key Responsibilities
Receives specimens from patients, general practitioners, couriers, and transport systems.
Registers patient demographics and test orders into the laboratory information system.
Processes and handles problem samples according to established protocols.
Prioritizes urgent cases such as traumas, STATs, strokes, and inpatient/outpatient needs.
Promptly directs phlebotomists to STAT blood collections upon notification.
Handles specimens with sub-optimal labeling or quality, ensuring proper documentation and notification of appropriate personnel.
Traces and retrieves test results from providers and pathology departments.
Scans surgical pathology results to PathGroup and assist with data retrieval.
Responds to inquiries from physicians, nurses, and medical staff regarding test results, specimen requirements, and collection procedures.
Provides support and information to patients and staff via phone or in person, including those with disabilities or language barriers.
Operates pneumatic tube systems for specimen and supply distribution.
Accurately obtains reference lab testing information and enter order codes.
Retrieves, prints, and distributes test results as needed.
Performs general reception duties including handling deliveries and coordinating with transport staff.
Maintains cleanliness of work areas and follow proper waste disposal procedures.
Completes and signs Chain of Custody forms as required.
Verifies licensure and signatures of non-staff physicians for compliance.
Maintains a clean, organized, and professional work environment while demonstrating a positive and respectful attitude.
May perform venipuncture as needed.
Skills and Attributes:
Requires critical thinking skills and decisive judgment.
Works under minimal supervision.
Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
Position Requirements:
Work Experience
A minimum of 1-year relevant experience required.
Education
High school diploma, General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or higher required upon hire
Licensure/Certification/Registration
A certification in Phlebotomy such as (CPT, PBT or RPT) from a certified program as determined by the organization preferred OR
A certification as a Laboratory Assistant such as (CLA, MLA or MLT) from a certified program as determined by the organization preferred.
Organizational Responsibilities:
Supports Owensboro Health’s Mission, Vision, Core Commitments, and business interests. Adheres to all organizational policies and procedures. Executes all tasks and behaves in a manner consistent with a culture of compliance, safety and high reliability organization.
Additional Job Information:
This job description describes the general nature and level of work required by the position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions of the job. Specific duties and responsibilities consistent with the general nature and level of work described may vary by department and additional related duties may be assigned as needed. Some duties listed may not apply to all employees with this job description.
The job description is subject to change with or without notice, and Management reserves the right to add, modify or remove any qualification or duty. Nothing in this job description changes the existing at-will employment relationship between the Organization and the employee occupying the position.
Standard ADA Settings:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands: (Clinical-Office/Clinic)
Standing: Frequently
Walking: Frequently
Sitting: Occasionally
Lifting 0-25 lbs.: Rarely
Lifting 25-75 lbs.: Rarely
Lifting over 75 lbs.: Rarely
Carrying 0-25 lbs.: Rarely
Carrying 25-75 lbs.: Rarely
Carrying over 75 lbs.: Rarely
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs.: Frequently
Pushing/Pulling 25-75 lbs.: Occasionally
Pushing/Pulling over 75 lbs.: Occasionally
Climbing: Occasionally
Bending/Stooping: Frequently
Kneeling: Occasionally
Crouching/Crawling: Occasionally
Reaching: Frequently
Talking: Frequently
Hearing: Frequently
Repetitive Foot/Leg Movements: Rarely
Repetitive Hand/Arm Movements: Frequently
Keyboard Data Entry: Frequently
Running: Rarely
Vision: Depth Perception: Frequently
Vision: Distinguish Color: Frequently
Vision: Seeing Far: Frequently
Vision: Seeing Near: Frequently
Hazardous Drug Risk Exposure:
Risk Level: Low-Risk
Owensboro Health Core Commitments
INTEGRITY - We conduct ourselves with a high level of responsibility, reliability and honesty because we take seriously the trust of our patients and coworkers.
RESPECT - We value and accept the unique talents and contributions of every patient, customer and team member in the Owensboro Health community.
TEAMWORK - We build a spirit of connectivity and fellowship by striving together to overcome obstacles, surpass goals, celebrate accomplishments and plan the future.
INNOVATION - We foster original ideas and creative solutions that improve our daily work and promote the mission of Owensboro Health.
SERVICE - We focus on service to patients, customers and team members by anticipating their needs, thoughtfully meeting those needs and continually improving the quality of everything we do.
EXCELLENCE - We reach beyond basic expectations to expand our knowledge and awareness, produce exceptional work and provide outstanding service.