Summary

The Laboratory Referral Specialist manages both internal and external client laboratory work coming to Guthrie Laboratories as well as specimens referred to other reference laboratories. The position provides customer service support and is a resource to clients and clinical laboratory staff.  The position is responsible for the management of biological specimens (e.g. blood, urine) receipt, verification, handling, aliquoting, processing and shipping if applicable. The position is responsible for order and specimen resolution, communicating with internal and external clients, monitoring assigned reports. The position will interact with clients to resolve issues related to specimen submission and assist corrective action to promote efficient laboratory workflows. The referral specialist will work primarily in the sample preparation area, but may be assigned to various tasks in other areas of the laboratory. The specialist will work closely with laboratory support staff and be under the supervision of the Laboratory Customer Support Manager and Laboratory Administration.

Experience

Prior experience in a hospital or clinical laboratory environment is highly preferred.

Education

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree required. Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or one of the physical sciences preferred. Computer familiarity with keyboards and system navigation is required.  Medical terminology and/or knowledge of basic anatomy is required.

Essential Functions

Reviews all incoming specimens to assure proper identification of samples with correct labels and required information (points of identification) are uniformly present. Properly examines all specimens and specimen orders submitted (blood, urines, and other body fluids or tissues) for proper labeling and necessary information on both specimen and order. Communicates discrepancies in labeling or orders to the appropriate department and completes the required forms for tracking. Processes (centrifuges, separate, aliquots etc) all specimens from all sources and ensures they are dispatched properly to correct testing location. Organizes work according to workstation plan, including expediting STAT testing. Registers and orders lab work as necessary, ensuring the correct entry of lab location, diagnoses registration information to ensure correct account entry and auto faxing is performed. Brings any problem of a technical nature or questionable specimen integrity to the attention of the Supervisor or Senior MT on duty. Keeps up to date with knowledge of specimen preparation, anticoagulants and preservatives, specimen transport, processing technique and storage. Properly answers telephone inquiries using telephone etiquette and refers as needed. Maintains a clean, neat work area during and at the end of scheduled work period, ensuring bench cleaning is documented. Assists in finding missing specimens or add – on specimens. Works the pending lists for inpatients and outpatients and clears the list with the appropriate comments or does other follow up as needed. Follows current bucket checking protocol for confirming the content and receipt of regional office specimens within the laboratory. Thoroughly checks each bucket to ensure the removal of all specimens and paperwork each bucket every time. Stores buckets in appropriate designated places.  Ensures they are cleaned and bags replaced regularly. Completes bucket paperwork as needed. Stores problem samples in designated refrigerator. Ensures that there are messages sent to the staff that will follow through on these samples. Checks level of supplies and reports shortages to the Supervisor. Maintains a professional, mature, positive attitude and demeanor while on the job. Observes proper safety practices in the performance of job duties. Follows established lab policies and procedures. Performs other clerical and technical duties as instructed or requested. Works closely with the laboratory processing staff providing support and training. Works closely with laboratory leadership team to develop process improvements and work on quality initiatives. Follows established laboratory procedures and practices and assists with laboratory policy and procedure updates. Duties may consist of but not limited to pending lists, billing charges, test catalog maintenance, quality metrics and training of send out staff. Other duties as assigned.

update 12-12-23

 

The pay range for this position is $21.46 - $34.47/hr