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Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$15.72/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $18.50 - $21.06 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$15.72/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $18.50 - $21.06 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$15.72/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $18.50 - $21.06 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

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All JobsSpecimen Processor JobsAssistant Specimen Processor JobsAssistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Illinois

Assistant Specimen Processor information

What is an assistant specimen processor?

Assistant Specimen Processors are laboratory support staff responsible for handling, labeling, and preparing biological specimens such as blood, urine, or tissue samples for analysis. They ensure samples are correctly identified, sorted, and stored according to strict protocols to maintain sample integrity. These professionals may also enter patient data, assist with basic lab tasks, and help maintain a clean and organized work environment. Their work is crucial in preventing errors and supporting laboratory technicians and technologists in delivering accurate test results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant specimen processor?

To thrive as an Assistant Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and sample tracking tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure timely and accurate processing of specimens. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining sample integrity and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What does a typical shift look like for an assistant specimen processor, and how is the work environment structured?

As an Assistant Specimen Processor, a typical shift involves receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples for laboratory analysis, often under time-sensitive conditions. You’ll work closely with laboratory technicians, couriers, and administrative staff to ensure specimens are processed accurately and efficiently. The work environment is usually fast-paced and requires strict adherence to safety and quality protocols. Teamwork and effective communication are essential, as the role frequently involves coordinating with different departments to maintain workflow and meet turnaround times.

What is the difference between Assistant Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssistant Specimen ProcessorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedPost-secondary education, often an associate degree or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, handling specimens and preparing samplesLaboratory environments, performing tests and analyzing samples
Employer & IndustryHospitals, diagnostic labs, clinicsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic facilities
Common Search/ComparisonAssistant Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician

The Assistant Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and processing with minimal formal education, while Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often requiring specialized training or certification. Both roles work in laboratory settings within healthcare and diagnostic industries, but Laboratory Technicians typically have broader responsibilities and higher qualifications.

How can I become a assistant specimen processor?

To become an assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be detail-oriented with good organizational skills. Relevant experience in laboratory settings or familiarity with specimen handling and safety protocols can be beneficial. Some positions may require training on specific laboratory procedures or certifications such as OSHA safety training.

What does an assistant specimen processor do?

An assistant specimen processor helps prepare and handle biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, for laboratory testing. They typically assist with labeling, sorting, and processing specimens using laboratory equipment, ensuring proper storage and documentation to support accurate diagnostic results.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Illinois are:

Assistant Specimen Processor jobs near you

SPECIMEN PROCESSOR (PART-TIME, 1PM-9:30PM)

Riverside Healthcare

Kankakee, IL • On-site

$15.45/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Laboratory Specimen Processor is responsible for the accurate and timely receipt, identification, and preparation of patient specimens for laboratory testing at a busy hospital-based laboratory with supervision. This position ensures proper labeling, sorting, and tracking of specimens while maintaining compliance with regulatory and institutional standards to support quality patient care across the Riverside Healthcare organization. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.
Essential Duties
Specimen Receiving:
  • Receive and accurately log patient specimens into the laboratory information system (LIS). Verify specimen integrity and proper labeling, ensuring adherence to established protocols. Sort, aliquot, process, and prioritize specimens for analysis, based on test requirements and urgency, including add-on test requests and send-out testing samples.

Specimen Processing:
  • Load patient specimens onto laboratory instrumentation for clinical testing. Prepare specimens for transport to appropriate testing locations within the laboratory.

Collaboration and Communication:
  • Communicate with nursing staff, physicians, and other departments regarding specimen issues and test orders via telephone, fax, instant messaging program, etc. Report atypical sample or equipment behavior or any deviations from policies and procedures to department leadership.

Safety and Compliance:
  • Follow safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling of biohazard materials. Participate in quality assurance initiatives to maintain compliance with regulatory guidelines. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.

Documentation and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of all specimens received.

Inventory Management:
  • Assist in maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies.

Administrative Support:
  • Support clerical duties, such as data entry or filing, as needed.

Flexibility:
  • Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Responsibilities
Required Experience:
  • Meets standards of production and accuracy within 3 months of start
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to follow safety and regulatory protocols as per hospital and laboratory guidelines

Preferred Experience:
  • Healthcare or laboratory experience preferred
  • Basic understanding of medical terminology and laboratory procedures preferred
  • Proficiency in data entry and familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) a plus

Required Licensure/Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required

Preferred Education:
  • None

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.
Our Commitment to You:
Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes:
Compensation
  • Base compensation within the positions pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:
  • Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Employee Health Requirements:
Exposure to:
  • Chemicals: Multiple acids, bases, caustics, corrosives, and carcinogens, formalin
  • Video Display Terminals: Average
  • Blood and Body Fluids: Blood and body fluids handled continuously on a daily basis so exposure is very high.
  • TB or Airborne Pathogens: High risk for TB and other airborne pathogens when working with patient specimens

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):
  • Speech: Needed for communication with all coworkers and customers whether direct or via phone.
  • Vision: Needed for computer operation and specimen processing
  • Smell: Electrical/fire safety
  • Hearing: Needed to listen to coworkers, customers, and patients.
  • Touch: Needed for all specimen processing with a great deal of fine motor skills involved

Activity/Lifting Requirements:
Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:
  • Sit: 25%
  • Twist: 10%
  • Stand: 15%
  • Crawl: 0%
  • Walk: 25%
  • Kneel: 5%
  • Lift: 5%
  • Drive: 0%
  • Squat: 0%
  • Climb: 0%
  • Bend: 10%
  • Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:
  • Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
  • Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
  • Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
  • Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
  • Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
  • Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):
Supply stock up to 20 lbs - 50' maximum distance normally carried to fill cabinets from floor to above shoulders.. Lift printer paper and roll of labels to bar code printer.
Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:
  • Sit: 40
  • Twist: 3
  • Stand: 45
  • Crawl: 0
  • Walk: 30
  • Kneel: 1
  • Lift: 2
  • Drive: 0
  • Squat: 0
  • Climb: 0
  • Bend: 2
  • Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):
  • Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: often
  • Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 3-35 lbs often
  • Fine Manipulation: Writing, typing, pipetting, manipulating specimens for testing procedures

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:
Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
  • Inside hours: 8
  • Outside hours: 0
  • Temperature: Normal Range
  • Lighting: Very Bright
  • Noise levels: Average
  • Humidity: Normal Range
  • Atmosphere: Fumes, Odors

Special Hazards: Electrical, Other - Chemical additives for tests, electrical shock hazard in centrifuges. Constant exposure to blood and body fluids.
Protective Clothing Required: Gloves, lab coat, closed-toe shoes, occasional mask and goggles
Pay Range
USD $15.45 - USD $18.26 /Hr

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