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Complex Specimen Processor Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

AEG

Landscaper

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$21/hr

... the application process on the follow-up screen. Overview Creates and maintains a flawless ... Relocates specimen trees and shrubs. Designs or assists in design of landscaping beds. * Cleans ...

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All JobsComplex Specimen Processor JobsComplex Specimen Processor Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Complex Specimen Processor information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$16

$21

$26

How much do complex specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for complex specimen processor in Santa Clara, CA is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Santa Clara, CA?

For Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Complex Specimen Processor jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Complex Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Complex Specimen Processor job openings:

Complex Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Complex Specimen Processor job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,012 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Lab Assistant II

Sutter Health

Los Altos, CA • On-site

$34.55 - $48.36/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago

Sutter Health rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 330 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

PAMF-Palo Alto Medical Foundation PAD

Position Overview:

Collects blood specimens, as well as receives, handles and processes specimens for Laboratory testing. Interacts with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behavior. Receives, sorts and accessions specimens, assigning to appropriate pre-analytic and analytic workflow. Completes computerized tasks related to patient registration and/or test order entry, specimen collection, receiving and processing. Performs basic post-analytic tasks, including distributing reports, storing and/or retrieving specimens. Completes quality-related tasks such as documentation of work, maintaining a clean, stocked and safe work area, and monitoring pending work, as well as escalating priority work. Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.

Job Description:

These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development). Job Description modifications for union represented position are subject to CBA guidelines.
EDUCATION:

  • HS Diploma: High School or General Education Diploma (GED) provided prior to start date


CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

  • CPTI-Certified Phlebotomy Technician I provided prior to start date

  • OR CPT II-Certified Phlebotomy Technician II provided prior to start date


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge and practice of standard principles, processes, procedures, and equipment related to:

  • 1) ordering Laboratory testing,

  • 2) collecting blood specimens,

  • 3) compassionately and effectively interacting with patients,

  • 4) handling and processing biological specimens routinely submitted to the Laboratory for analysis.


Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.

  • 1) Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes.

  • 2) Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors.


Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to:

  • 1) fluctuations in volume,

  • 2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or IS failure,

  • 3) shift-to-shift hand-offs,

  • 4) STAT test orders,

  • 5) specimen integrity issues,

  • 6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.


Adherence to Practices & Procedures:

  • 1) Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.

  • 2) Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.


Applied Job Knowledge, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:

  • 1) Solid critical thinking in applying knowledge and decision-making.

  • 2) Knowledge of and ability to recognize and appropriately escalate complex and unusual deviations, problems, unusual occurrences and unexpected outcomes.

  • 3) Effective verbal and written communication skills.

  • 4) Ability to work in a collaborative setting where the communication of current, factual, and relevant work information is required.


Job Shift:

Varied

Schedule:

Short Hour

Shift Hours:

4

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

Every other Weekend

Benefits:

No

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

19

Employee Status:

Short Hour

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $34.55 to $48.36 / hour

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health's comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.

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