Specimen Processing Tech - job 1 of 2

As a Specimen Processing Tech at Emory Healthcare, you'll be responsible for accurately labeling and processing specimens for laboratory testing, ensuring the integrity of each sample. You'll prepare referral specimens for shipping to reference labs and observe strict protocols for infection control while working with body fluids. This role is critical in the overall testing process.

To qualify for the Specimen Processing Tech role at Emory Healthcare, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent. While three years of sample processing experience is preferred, having at least one year in the Emory Medical Laboratory is particularly advantageous. Additionally, intermediate computer skills and knowledge of medical terminology will be beneficial.

As a Specimen Processing Tech at Emory Healthcare, you will work a shift from 4 PM to 12:30 AM. This involves rotating weekends and holidays, ensuring that our laboratory operations continue smoothly around the clock and that patient needs are met at all times.

Emory Healthcare is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for its employees, including Specimen Processing Techs. This includes adhering to universal precautions and infection control protocols when handling body fluids and other contagions, which is an essential part of the role.

Emory Healthcare offers its Specimen Processing Tech employees competitive benefits, opportunities for career development, and a commitment to equal opportunity employment. We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure a supportive work environment.

When discussing your experience with specimen processing, focus on specific tasks you've performed, such as labeling, handling, and preparing samples. Highlight any particular protocols you've followed and tools you've used, emphasizing your attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.

To ensure the integrity of specimens, explain that you follow strict labeling and handling protocols. Discuss your understanding of the importance of temperature control, contamination prevention, and accurate documentation as key elements in maintaining sample quality.

Detail your knowledge of universal precautions and safety protocols. Mention how you use personal protective equipment (PPE), properly dispose of hazardous materials, and follow guidelines to prevent infections and contamination in the laboratory.

Describe your organizational skills and ability to assess urgency in tasks. Offer examples of how you've managed competing priorities in the past and how you utilize communication with team members to facilitate workflow.

If applicable, share your experience with laboratory information systems, emphasizing your skills in data entry, managing patient information, and generating reports. Highlight your comfort level with technology and your eagerness to learn new systems.

Discuss the importance of addressing labeling errors immediately. Outline the steps you would take: verifying the correct information, rerouting the specimen if necessary, and documenting the error to maintain integrity and quality control practices.

Emphasize that universal precautions are essential to protect both healthcare workers and patients from potential infections. Describe your knowledge of these precautions and how you employ them during specimen collection and processing.

Talk about how medical terminology helps facilitate clear communication in the lab, assists in accurately documenting specimen types and tests, and enhances overall efficiency. Illustrate your familiarity with relevant terms in your work.

Provide a specific example of a challenging situation you faced in the lab, explaining how you managed it. Focus on your problem-solving skills, ability to remain calm under pressure, and how you worked with colleagues to resolve the issue.

Convey your passion for healthcare and the importance of accurate specimen processing in patient care. Discuss any values that resonate with you at Emory Healthcare, like their commitment to quality and community service, to express why this opportunity is particularly meaningful to you.