The major duties of the Specimen Processing Specialist 1 consists of receiving, identifying, assigning accession numbers, sorting, preparation, internal laboratory distribution of surgical pathology and cytology samples, slides and materials. The secondary role of this position is to provide technical support for laboratory technical staff, residents, pathology assistants, pathologists and other specimen processors. This position will also answer telephone calls concerning lab results, specimen requirements, procedures, time required for tests, and preparation of specimens for other lab sections and outside labs for analysis. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which will best serve the clients of the department, OHSU, and outside the organization. This is the first of a two-level series.

Perform accessioning/data entry for specimens received for pathology diagnosis.

• Receives samples for testing.
• Checks accuracy of specimens requisitions and labels triaging as appropriate; logging them as per policy, documenting specimens sent elsewhere.
• Contacts referring location for missing or illegible information and clarify orders; follows up to insure resolution including documentation, obtaining signature of person responsible for corrective action and submission of Patient Safety Intelligence . Follow up on specimens that appear to be missing.
• Performs computer entry as per department procedure, creating or sending the correct account and visit numbers, selecting appropriate specimen type and entering complete and accurate detail.
• Creates billing accounts in HMS for specimens received from outside OHSU.
• Accurately labels request forms, specimen containers, and slides.
• Insures that all specimens received are accessioned and triaged in a timely manner.
• Seeks approval and communicates to appropriate team members for same day and weekend/holiday RUSH processing.
• Notifies appropriate personnel when priority specimens are received including frozen sections and requests for RUSH processing.
• Recognizes unusual, questionable, or lost specimens, and seeks assistance from Pathologist’s Assistants/house staff/faculty/manager/ordering provider following to resolution.
• Communicates clearly promoting excellent customer service and teamwork.
• Communicates effectively with all customers including physicians, nurses, fellow employees, outside clients and patients.
• Maintains a professional demeanor at all times, even under stress.

Specimen, slide, block preparation and management

• Maintains orderly progression of specimens to the gross room.
• Maintains orderly specimen storage cabinets.
• Preserves samples/hardware and coordinates requests to return to patients, research coordinators and legal firms.
• Retrieves and transports cassettes from the grossing area, placing them in numerical order and loading them into the tissue processor providing photo documentation for quality control.
• Insures that tissue processors are setup, loaded and/or started at end of shift. 
• Maintains communication with the gross room personnel regarding fixation, hold over specimens and provides work list updates.
• Coordinates requests for special disposition with Decedent Affairs Coordinator. 
• Prepares, stains and coverslips cytology and surgical samples. · Labels slides with computer generated labels as needed. 
• Reconciles slides with worklists and distributes following lab protocols.
• Retrieves blocks and coordinates with work list for tests ordered in LIS.
• Retrieves blocks for cutting of control slides to maintain supply of controls ready for use.
• Assists in the organization and filing of slides, blocks, and reports on site, in remote locations (Richard Jones Hall and Iron Mt.),and archiving preparation.
• Pull slides and reports for weekly conferences. 
• Prepare materials for send out and research requests.
• Store and/or return consult slides.
• Discards tissue following standard procedure maintaining adequate free storage space to ensure new specimens can be stored; includes fixed and frozen specimens.

Other Duties as Assigned 

• High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses, plus one year of college math or computer courses OR
• High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience OR
• High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant Training program including clinical lab experience

Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies):

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques; 
• Knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and materials;
• Knowledge of basic math;
• Ability to follow formulas accurately; 
• Ability to handle, package, and store laboratory specimens and materials;
• Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment;
• Ability to learn routine testing methods, procedures, and techniques;
• Ability to keep accurate records in conformance with laboratory procedures; and 
• Ability to follow written and verbal procedures (instructions).

• Experience in a clinical or pathology laboratory setting, including specimen handling, HIS and LIS data entry, billing, telephones, other data entry.

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing temperature fluctuations in the building.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.