How to Be Specimen Accessioner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Specimen Accessioner is critical in the medical field, as they are responsible for the accurate processing of patient specimens. This ensures that the specimens being tested and analyzed are of the highest quality, which in turn leads to the accurate diagnosis of patients and effective treatments. Without Specimen Accessioners, medical laboratories would not be able to produce reliable results, leading to incorrect diagnoses and unsuccessful treatments.

Furthermore, they are tasked with accurately entering patient information into databases, and validating all data to ensure accuracy. The role of a Specimen Accessioner has a direct impact on the quality of care provided by medical laboratories and hospitals, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most specimen accessioner positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Consider taking courses in mathematics, biology, or chemistry if you do not already have these subjects on your transcript.
2. Pursue postsecondary education. Although it is not required, many employers prefer to hire specimen accessioners with some postsecondary education in the sciences. Consider enrolling in a program at a vocational school, community college, or university that offers courses in medical technology or laboratory science.
3. Obtain certification. Several organizations offer certification for specimen accessioners. Certification demonstrates that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job effectively and can help you stand out from other applicants.
4. Gain experience. Most employers prefer to hire specimen accessioners with prior experience in the field. Consider volunteering at a local hospital or laboratory to gain hands-on experience and make valuable contacts in the industry.
5. Be detail-oriented. As a specimen accessioner, you will be responsible for completing important tasks with accuracy and precision. Make sure to pay close attention to detail and double-check your work before submitting it for review.

The reliability and efficiency of specimen accessioning can be largely determined by the quality of the data entry process. Accurate data entry is essential to ensure that specimens are properly identified, tracked, and stored. the use of modern technology can significantly improve the accuracy and speed of specimen accessioning.

Automated systems can help reduce errors and provide real-time updates. Furthermore, high-quality equipment, such as barcode scanners, can help reduce the amount of time needed to accession specimens and provide accurate information about the specimens. When these elements are properly combined and utilized, specimen accessioning can become reliable and efficient.

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Job Description

1. Receive and accession specimens in the laboratory.
2. Prepare specimen for testing by separating and labeling them.
3. Enter patient information and test orders into the laboratory information system.
4. Create and maintain patient logs and specimen records.
5. Follow laboratory procedures for specimen collection, testing, and storage.
6. Monitor quality control of specimens and reagents.
7. Troubleshoot specimen processing issues and make necessary adjustments.
8. Provide guidance and support to other laboratory personnel as needed.
9. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and policies.
10. Perform additional duties as assigned by the laboratory supervisor or manager.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of laboratory specimen collection and handling procedures.
2. Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, policies, and regulations.
3. Ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
4. Ability to communicate effectively with laboratory personnel, clinicians, and other healthcare personnel.
5. Ability to accurately record and enter patient data into the laboratory information system.
6. Ability to identify problems and take appropriate corrective action.
7. Knowledge of computerized information systems and software applications used in the laboratory.
8. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
9. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
10. Ability to take initiative and identify areas for improvement in processes and procedures.

Good specimen accessioners require many skills and qualities to be successful. One of the most important skills is to have an attention to detail, as any mistakes or inaccuracies in the accessioning process can cause major problems down the line. having good organizational skills is a must, as specimen accessioners need to be able to store specimens in an orderly and efficient way.

Being able to quickly and accurately enter data into a computer system is also important, as timely input of data is essential in this field. Finally, strong communication skills are essential for specimen accessioners, so they can effectively collaborate with other professionals and ensure that specimens are processed correctly and sent off in a timely manner. All of these skills and qualities are necessary for a successful specimen accessioner and will help them to carry out their job effectively.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working in a laboratory setting?
• What experience do you have with specimen accessioning?
• How do you keep accurate records and track samples?
• How would you handle a situation where specimens are not correctly labeled or identified?
• How do you ensure that all specimens are properly labeled and ready for processing?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a specimen accessioning issue?
• How do you ensure quality control in specimen accessioning?
• Describe a challenging specimen accessioning task you have encountered and how you overcame it?
• What techniques do you use to minimize errors when accessioning specimens?
• How would you handle a situation where the specimen is not suitable for processing?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). A software used to store, manage and track information related to specimens, tests and results in a laboratory. (eg: Samplemanager)
2. Automated Specimen Processor. An automated system used for the processing of biological samples in the laboratory. (eg: Hamilton Star)
3. Specimen Tracking Software. Software used to track the movement of specimens from the point of collection to the laboratory. (eg: Specimap)
4. Specimen Accessioning Software. Software used to log, authenticate and organize specimens received from other sources. (eg: SpecimenTracker)
5. Barcode Scanner. A device used to read barcodes for specimen identification and tracking. (eg: Datalogic Gryphon)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Medical Technologists (AMT)
2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
3. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
4. Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
5. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
6. College of American Pathologists (CAP)
7. American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
8. American Society of Cytology (ASC)
9. American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
10. International Academy of Pathology (IAP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Accession Number. A unique identifier assigned to a specimen when it is entered into a collection or database.
2. Specimen. A physical sample taken from a living organism for research and analysis.
3. Digital Preservation. The practice of preserving digital files and records over time.
4. Metadata. Information associated with a digital object, including its source, author, subject, and date.
5. Data Management Plan. A document that outlines how data is collected, stored, and shared within an organization.
6. Collection Management. The process of organizing digital and physical collections of items, such as specimens and artifacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Specimen Accessioner?

A Specimen Accessioner is a medical professional who is responsible for the safe and accurate accessioning of biological specimens for laboratory testing.

What duties does a Specimen Accessioner perform?

A Specimen Accessioner's duties include receiving specimens, verifying patient information, labeling specimens, entering patient data into a laboratory information system, and preparing specimens for testing.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Specimen Accessioner?

To become a Specimen Accessioner, one must typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and have experience in medical terminology, data entry, and specimen preparation.

What type of environment does a Specimen Accessioner work in?

Specimen Accessioners typically work in a laboratory setting, such as a hospital or clinic.

What is the average salary of a Specimen Accessioner?

According to PayScale, the average salary of a Specimen Accessioner is $31,713 per year.

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Web Resources

• Specimen Accessioner (Specimen Processor/Laboratory Associat collegereadyonline.rice.edu
• Biospecimen Accessioning and Processing Core www.mayo.edu
• Specimen Receiving, Processing and Accessioning pubinfo.vcu.edu