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

Jul 25, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Receiving specimens from patients is an important job for specimen receptionists. This role involves collecting and entering patient information into the laboratorys computer system, verifying the identity of the patient and the tests required, and ensuring that the specimen is labeled accurately and stored properly. If these steps are not completed correctly, it can result in delays in testing, inaccurate test results, and potential misdiagnosis of patients.

Furthermore, it can lead to unnecessary stress for the patient, time-consuming troubleshooting for laboratory staff, and decreased efficiency of the laboratory overall. Therefore, it is essential for specimen receptionists to take their job seriously and complete the necessary steps with accuracy and attention to detail.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require Specimen Receptionists to have at least a high school diploma or GED before they can be considered for the position.
Pursue a college degree in medical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, or a related field. A college degree can be beneficial when it comes to obtaining a Specimen Receptionist position since it demonstrates knowledge of laboratory procedures and techniques.
Gain experience in a medical laboratory setting. You can gain experience in a medical laboratory setting by volunteering or getting an entry-level job in the field. This experience will help you better understand the duties and responsibilities of the Specimen Receptionist position.
Obtain certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Although not always required, obtaining certification as an MLT can help you find a job more easily and give you an advantage over other applicants.
Search for open positions. Once you have obtained the necessary qualifications, you can search for open positions as a Specimen Receptionist. Many healthcare organizations advertise their openings online or in local newspapers.

In order to keep updated and efficient as a specimen receptionist, it is important to stay organized and familiarize oneself with the latest laboratory procedures and protocols. Keeping accurate records and using an inventory system to track incoming specimens are key components of efficiency. learning to work well with other members of the lab team, such as technicians and pathologists, can help ensure that specimens are correctly received and properly processed.

Taking the time to familiarize oneself with new technologies and any changes in laboratory procedures will also help in staying up-to-date with the latest practices. By following these steps, specimen receptionists can remain organized, efficient, and informed.

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Job Description

Greet patients and visitors upon arrival to the specimen reception area.
Accurately register patient information into the laboratory information system (LIS) and verify patient insurance status.
Ask patients the necessary questions to collect the correct information required for specimen processing.
Receive, label, and log specimens into the laboratory's specimen tracking system.
Prepare and package specimens for transport to the laboratory or other designated areas.
Provide information and answer questions relating to specimen collection and processing.
Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Record specimen collection data in laboratory logs, as needed.
Prepare and print patient labels, as needed.
Maintain inventory of supplies and order new supplies when needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology
Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Familiarity with laboratory equipment, procedures, and safety regulations
Accuracy and attention to detail
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and compliance
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information
Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
Basic computer proficiency
Problem-solving skills

Being a successful specimen receptionist requires having a combination of excellent organizational and communication skills. Being organized is key to ensuring specimens are correctly identified and handled, and that they are kept secure and tracked accurately. Communication skills are essential to collaborate with other staff in the laboratory, and to explain the procedures to the patient or donor.

being detail-oriented, computer literate, and having a basic understanding of medical terminology are all important skills for a specimen receptionist to possess. Having these skills ensures specimens are received, stored, and handled properly, which is essential to ensure accurate test results. Furthermore, it also helps to build trust with patients, donors, and other staff members.

Therefore, having the right combination of organizational and communication skills is essential for a successful specimen receptionist.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in specimen reception?
How do you handle difficult and challenging situations?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy when processing specimens?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage multiple requests from various medical professionals?
What do you know about specimen labeling/tracking?
Are you familiar with the safety protocols for handling and transporting specimens?
How do you handle a high-volume of specimens on a daily basis?
What computer programs are you familiar with that are related to specimen reception?
How do you maintain a professional attitude when working with diverse staff?
Do you have any ideas on how to improve the specimen reception process?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer. Used to manage data and process information (eg: enter patient information into a database).
Scanner. Used to scan documents into a digital format (eg: scan patient forms).
Printer. Used to print documents (eg: print lab results).
Barcode Scanner. Used to scan barcodes to identify specimens (eg: check in lab specimens).
Telephone. Used to communicate with patients and other medical personnel (eg: answer questions about lab results).
Lab Supply Inventory System. Used to keep track of lab supplies (eg: order new supplies when needed).
Specimen Logbook. Used to document specimen processing activities (eg: record specimen arrival time).
Laminated Specimen Identification Card. Used to label specimens (eg: attach to each specimen with a unique ID).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT)
Association for Clinical Scientists (ACS)
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)

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Common Important Terms

Specimen Collection. The process of collecting biological specimens from patients or other sources for laboratory testing.
Specimen Processing. The process of preparing a specimen for testing by labeling it, sorting it, and performing any other necessary steps.
Specimen Preservation. The process of preserving a specimen for later testing or analysis by using chemical preservatives or other methods.
Specimen Identification. The process of identifying a specimen by its physical characteristics or other traits.
Specimen Labeling. The process of labeling a specimen with relevant information such as the patient's name, date, and type of specimen.
Chain of Custody. A process that tracks the collection, transfer, and storage of a specimen to ensure its integrity throughout its lifespan.
Specimen Tracking. The process of monitoring the status of a specimen throughout its lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Specimen Receptionist?

A Specimen Receptionist is a medical professional who is responsible for receiving, processing, and tracking patients' biological samples for laboratory testing.

What duties does a Specimen Receptionist have?

A Specimen Receptionist typically has duties such as verifying patient identity, logging specimens, labeling them with the appropriate information, and properly storing them. They may also be responsible for answering inquiries regarding specimen processing and results.

How important is accuracy in the role of a Specimen Receptionist?

Accuracy is extremely important in the role of a Specimen Receptionist as incorrect labeling or storage of specimens can lead to inaccurate test results.

What qualifications are needed to become a Specimen Receptionist?

The qualifications needed to become a Specimen Receptionist typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory processes, and excellent organizational and communication skills.