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Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

Lewisville, TX · On-site

$17.88/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $17.88+ per hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all ...

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Assistant Specimen Processor information

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 highest paying career in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying careers often include roles such as laboratory directors, research scientists, and clinical laboratory managers, who typically require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions usually offer higher salaries due to their leadership responsibilities and specialized expertise.

How do I become a specimen processor?

To become an assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must undergo on-the-job training to learn specimen handling, labeling, and processing procedures. Some positions may require basic knowledge of laboratory safety and the use of processing equipment; certifications are generally not mandatory but can enhance job prospects.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Specimen Processor, and why are they important?

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 are Assistant Specimen Processors?

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 qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be an assistant specimen processor, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may prefer or require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory technology or related fields. Attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a team are also important.

What does a specimen processor do?

A specimen processor prepares biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, for laboratory testing by labeling, sorting, and ensuring proper storage. They operate laboratory equipment, follow safety protocols, and maintain accurate records to support diagnostic processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Texas are:
Assistant Specimen Processor jobs near you
Supervisor, Specimen Processor

Supervisor, Specimen Processor

UT Health San Antonio

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$14.25 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

UT Health San Antonio rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

408th of 611 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Specimen Processing Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Specimen Processing laboratory including staffing, scheduling, motivating, coaching, and mentoring team members, and performance management. The supervisor follows all laboratory policies and procedures and maintains accurate data reporting practices to ensure consistent and diligent execution of specimen processing.
  • Knowledge of service delivery protocol and laboratory standards.
  • Ability to give and receive feedback in laboratory supervision, both informally and formally.
  • Possesses a high standard of record keeping.
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to flex hours and work nights and/or weekends as needed to support the success of the laboratory.

EDUCATION:

  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Five (5) years work experience in a laboratory or similar environment (e.g., maintaining sample integrity, following procedures and protocols, and/or sample collection/handling) is required.  

This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

  • Supervise the day-to-day operations of the Client Services/Specimen Receiving department.
  • Ensure strict adherence to standard operation procedures, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
  • Ensure proper instrument maintenance is completed in a timely manner.
  • Monitor and manage sample accessioning, registration, and cancellations.
  • Ensure the department is maintained in a clean and organized manner including proper sample, material and supply storage, and that department supplies are within established inventory levels.
  • Maintain adequate department staffing and production work schedules, employee time records and time off requests.
  • Monitor staff performance, train and/or mentor new employees, perform competency assessments, evaluate and counsel department personnel, make recommendations regarding terminating, promoting, demoting of department personnel.
  • Conduct and attend meetings.
  • Interview prospective new hires and provide recommendations to management
  • Track and trend sample shipment problems and provide end of month data to management. Participate in courier scheduling and routing.
  • Assist in the development of standard operating procedures and policies as they pertain to the department. Coordinate and implement the integration of new processes and procedures into the routine workflow.
  • Assist with analyzing and resolving deviations, root-cause analysis and deviation occurrence reports as necessary.
  • Document, investigate, communicate and resolve Specimen Receiving issues and sample reconciliation discrepancies.
  • Create and develop efficient work flows and coordination between specimen processing to resulting.
  • Review operational expenses to identify problems, concerns, and opportunities for improvement in order to provide advice and direction to the team members and supervisors to achieve operational goals.

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