Referral Testing Technician

Major Responsibilities:

• Performs preanalytical specimen processing for referred clinical testing. Evaluates specimens and requisitions for acceptability of specimen collected and is responsible for determination and prioritization of testing based on stability, order priority, and availability of reference laboratories.
   
• Accurately processes specimens for send out testing. Aliquots specimens for testing, maintaining proper specimen identification and following safety protocols. Completes internal send out processes, including documenting billing information to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement practices. Completes reference laboratory requisitions online or manually, including patient demographics, insurance, diagnosis, patient history, and previous result attachment, as required.
   
• Performs postanalytical resulting through manually resulting all non-interfaced testing sent to outside reference laboratories within the established DOS expectations and in accordance with department policies and procedures, while recognizing the differences in resulting requirements based on client type, EMR type, and/or spotlight accounts.
   
• Utilizes internal lab tools to ensure efficient patient care is being provided. Monitors test pending logs for all reference testing to ensure all tests are submitted to outside reference laboratories in a timely manner. Reviews and reconciles overdue logs for all testing referred outside of ACL Laboratories, including submitting test delay notifications as appropriate.
   
• Performs exception handling activities associated with specimen collection, receiving, accessioning, and resulting. Uses of critical thinking and problem-solving skills regarding all exception handling issues including, but not limited to: specimen integrity, test verification, missing information, incorrect specimen received, mis-identification issues, and secondary specimen sourcing.
   
• Exhibits excellent customer service skills and dedication to providing safe and appropriate patient care. Collaborates with all internal team members and external clients in order to resolve all customer service issues, questions, and exceptions.
   
• Ensures the department is providing excellent customer service through active participation in QI activities. Maintains knowledge base for all referral testing workflow changes/process improvements and acts as a resource for training new team members.

Education/Experience Required:

• Associate's Degree. Typically requires 2 years of progressively responsible experience in a health care or clinical laboratory setting

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good customer service skills with ability to interact effectively and communicate proficiently.
• Good data entry skills.
• Medical background, including basic knowledge of medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory.
• Previous experience in a Specimen Processing or production environment.
• Previous knowledge/experience with handling esoteric test requests.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Able to work weekends and select holidays, on a rotating basis.
• Works in a biohazard environment, handling infectious biological specimens and practicing good safety habits, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate.
• Work requires analytical ability to gather and interpret data.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• Frequently lists up to 10 lbs and able to lift up to 40 pounds.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.