1

Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Nurse, Health Screener- Newark DE

Newark, DE · On-site

$19.25 - $22.50/hr

... complex instrumentation (Cholestech and/ or Cardio Check experience preferred). * Skills required for proper specimen and reagent handling, labeling, processing, preparation, transportation, and ...

Complex Specimen Processor information

What is a complex specimen processor?

Complex Specimen Processors are laboratory professionals responsible for receiving, handling, and preparing biological samples—such as blood, tissue, or urine—for analysis and testing. They ensure that specimens are properly labeled, sorted, and processed according to strict protocols, often working with more challenging or specialized samples that require extra attention to detail. Their work is crucial for accurate diagnostic results and supports the efficiency and safety of the laboratory environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a complex specimen processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Complex Specimen Processor, you need strong attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring experience in a clinical or laboratory setting. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and standard lab equipment is essential. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure specimen integrity, accurate processing, and timely workflow, which are critical for reliable laboratory results and patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by complex specimen processors, and how can they be addressed?

Complex Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, ensuring precise labeling, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. To address these challenges, it is essential to stay organized, double-check specimen identification, and follow standardized protocols meticulously. Working closely with laboratory technicians and communicating effectively with team members can help prevent errors and ensure timely processing. Additionally, staying up-to-date with laboratory information systems and safety procedures can further streamline workflow and support accuracy.

What is the difference between Complex Specimen Processor vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectComplex Specimen ProcessorMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, processing specimensLaboratory, performing tests and analyzing samples
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing and processing complex specimens, ensuring sample integrityPerforming tests, analyzing results, maintaining lab equipment

While both roles work in laboratory environments, Complex Specimen Processors focus on preparing and processing complex specimens, often requiring specialized training. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform a broader range of testing and analysis, with formal education and certification. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in medical labs.

How do I become a complex specimen processor?

To become a complex specimen processor, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and specimen handling. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and sometimes certification in phlebotomy or laboratory technology, depending on the employer's requirements.

What skills do you need to be a complex specimen processor?

A complex specimen processor needs strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow precise protocols. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, familiarity with medical terminology, and proficiency with laboratory equipment are also important. Often, certifications in phlebotomy or laboratory technology are preferred, and the role may require working in a fast-paced environment with strict safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Delaware?

For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Blood Bank), Evenings

Nemours Children's Health

Wilmington, DE

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Nemours Children's Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Nemours is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist (Blood Bank), Full-Time, to join our Nemours Children's Health team in Wilmington, Delaware.

Work Schedule:  Evening Shift, 4p-12:30a with rotating weekends

As one of the nation's leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics and primary care practices in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children - even those who may never enter our doors - through our world-changing research, education and advocacy efforts. At Nemours, our Associates help us deliver on the promise we make to every family we have the privilege of serving: to treat their child as if they were our own.

From our park-like campus and free parking, to private patient rooms and kid-approved play areas, our Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., is like no other in the region. We're considered one of the safest children's hospitals in the country, with some of the best doctors, nurses and pediatric specialty care available. We also have Delaware's only pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist exhibits the certified expertise required to perform complex services, procedures, and related tasks in the clinical laboratory, including in the areas of molecular diagnostics and flow cytometry, while under the direction of a Laboratory Supervisor or Manager.

The MLS will perform a variety of analytical procedures and specimen testing of moderate to high complexity, properly utilizing methodologies and instruments in accordance with laboratory policies and procedures and in compliance with regulatory agency requirements.  The MLS may oversee some procedures being handled by Medical Laboratory Technicians, as needed.

  • Performs a variety of analytical procedures of moderate to high complexity in all areas of the laboratory as assigned, using manual and automated methods, and through a variety of clinical laboratory methodologies. In this function, must be able to independently perform all required calibration, quality control, statistical calculations and other process control and mathematical functions. Must also be able to understand concepts such as linearity, and standard deviation, as it applies to the performance of analytical testing in a clinical laboratory. 
  • Additional responsibilities in Microbiology (if assigned): 
    • Perform culture set-up, Gram stain preparation and interpretation, incubation, and examination to accurately and appropriate apply clinical and technical judgement.
    • Conduct bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing from appropriate specimen types, ensuring accurate interpretation of clinical significance (normal flora vs pathogens) and compliance with quality and safety standards. 
    • Perform molecular diagnostic assays (e.g., PCR) and rapid antigen testing, including specimen preparation, test set-up, result interpretation, and timely result reporting.
  • Develops and validates various complex tests for implementation in all sections of the laboratory. Collaborates in the writing and review of policies and standard operating procedures and completes proficiency testing.
  • Orders, accessions, statuses, and reports the results of tests performed on patient specimens, monitoring a variety of critical clinical issues, such as patient identifiers, specimen quality, order appropriateness, etc. In this function, must be able to read and understand a variety of written material such as specimen requisitions, worksheets, patient identification, specimen requirements, etc., whether performing this task manually (e.g., on paper) or using an information system. Must be able to check and verify information such as patient identification, lot numbers, expiration dates, etc., and act appropriately. Monitors pending logs regularly to provide rapid turnaround time.
  • Operates, calibrates, and performs troubleshooting and maintenance on laboratory equipment following established procedures, and as assigned by supervisor. Must be able to take responsibility for laboratory equipment performance, as demonstrated by interactions with technical representatives for instrument maintenance, both preventive and repair; must be able to successfully perform start-up and shutdown of complex analytical equipment. Recognizes need for additional Quality Control, maintenance, or specimens prior to releasing test results.
  • If specifically trained and assigned to specimen collection, processing and handling, collects or assists with specimens from patients or others in special procedures (e.g., assisting physicians at bone marrow aspirate collections). Such collections may take place in a variety of environments. Such collections may require entering patient isolation rooms, whereby, associate must follow appropriate infection control procedures.
  • Transports and handles specimens as assigned, following appropriate procedures.
  • Reviews technical and administrative procedures, as assigned. Responsible for staying informed about section changes, procedure changes and updates, etc. Reviews questions about procedures with section supervisor or designee as needed, informing supervisor when confusion about instructions or procedures exists. 
  • Handles supply and inventory issues as required/assigned, identifying key technical parameters, such as lot numbers, storage requirements, etc. as required for performance of laboratory procedures. Follows laboratory section inventory procedures (e.g., recording date received, condition when received, checking order forms, invoices, etc.) Retrieves supplies and equipment from storage areas as needed.  Notifies the section leader to place orders to avoid inventory deficiencies.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Lab program or Science related program is required. 
  • Minimum of 6 months experience required.  Experience can include clinical practicum time as a student.
  • Nationally/Internationally recognized certification as a Medical Technologist or equivalent (ASCP, AAB or AMT) eligible.

#LI-EP1

Nemours Children's Health is an internationally recognized pediatric health system serving more than 1.7 million patient encounters each year. We deliver care across six states through two freestanding children's hospitals - Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida - along with a network of more than 80 primary, urgent, and specialty care practices and more than 40 hospital partnerships.
Backed by the Nemours Foundation and Alfred I. duPont Trust, our $1.7B nonprofit system is dedicated to improving children's health through clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses equally on prevention and treatment, partnering with communities to help every child thrive.
Inclusion and belonging guide our strategy and growth. We are committed to culturally relevant care, reducing health disparities, and fostering an environment where every associate, patient, and family feels supported and valued.
Learn more at Nemours.org.

What Nemours Children's Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nemours logo

About Nemours

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As one of the nation's leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics, primary care practices, and school-based health centers in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children - even those who may never enter our doors - through our world-changing research, education and advocacy efforts.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jacksonville, FL, US