ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist FT

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting ... Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide ...

Trinityhealth

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting ... Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide ...

Trinity Health

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting ... Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab Specimen Processor JobsLab Assistant Specimen Processor JobsLab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Iowa

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor information

What are common challenges lab assistant specimen processors face, and how can they be managed?

Lab Assistant Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of specimens during peak hours while maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict protocols. Managing time efficiently, staying organized, and double-checking labels can help minimize errors. Effective communication with laboratory technologists and phlebotomists is also essential for resolving discrepancies quickly. Adapting to new laboratory information systems and staying updated on safety procedures can further support success in this role.

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

AspectLab Assistant Specimen ProcessorLab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedAssociate degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentProcessing specimens in clinical or hospital labsPerforming tests and analyzing samples in laboratory settings
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsMedical laboratories, research facilities, hospitals

The Lab Assistant Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and processing, focusing on sample labeling and organization. In contrast, Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in laboratory workflows, but Lab Technicians typically require more advanced education and skills.

What is a lab assistant specimen processor?

Lab Assistant Specimen Processors are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue—for laboratory testing. They play a vital role in ensuring that samples are properly handled and documented to maintain accuracy and prevent contamination. Their duties often include data entry, operating laboratory equipment, and adhering to strict safety and confidentiality protocols. This role is essential for supporting laboratory scientists and ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic testing.

How do you become a lab assistant specimen processor?

To become a lab assistant specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may receive on-the-job training. Some positions require basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or specimen handling protocols.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a lab assistant specimen processor?

To thrive as a Lab Assistant Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring phlebotomy certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and safe specimen handling protocols is usually required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you excel in managing high-volume tasks and ensuring accurate sample processing. These competencies are crucial to maintain specimen integrity, minimize errors, and support efficient laboratory operations.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa?

For Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Lab Assistant Specimen Processor job openings:

Lab Assistant Specimen Processor jobs near you

Lab Assistant Specimen Collections-Sunnybrook

UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

270th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
UnityPoint-Sunnybrook Clinic
Part-Time Afternoons
20 hours/week
This position plays an important role in the lab interacting with patients and nursing personnel. It is a non-credentialed position that supports preanalytical, analytical and post analytical laboratory workflows. Responsibilities include all the following: 1) registration, 2) inpatient, outpatient, or outreach phlebotomy, 3) sample processing/aliquoting/prepping for transport/testing and/or 4) performs CLIA waived testing.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Pre-Analytic workflows
  • Greets everyone with a pleasant and professional manner, using patient experience best practice guidelines (AIDET, 5/10 Rule and No-Point, etc.)
  • Identifies patients and samples using two patient identifiers, always labeling samples in the presence of the patient.
  • Performs medical venous and capillary blood collections independently for patients of all ages within specified safety parameters, timelines, and pace.
  • Performs sample receiving, registering, accessioning, processing, aliquoting, preparation for transport and/or delivery to testing areas.
  • Utilizes supply items in a cost-effective manner, recognizing when to reorder and assisting with unpacking and/or restocking items.
  • Achieves basic understanding of lab tests to answer patient questions in an easy to understand way.

Analytic and post-analytic workflows
  • Performs CLIA waived testing on medical samples in accordance with manufacturer specifications using good laboratory practice.
  • Works efficiently with the workflow and workload.
  • Documents routine instrument maintenance; elevates non-routine issues to management
  • Follows appropriate reporting protocols including critical value reporting.
  • Monitors pending logs and work queues and resolves pending tests and registration errors.
  • Prepares and logs samples for proper storage and retention

Committed Team
  • Prioritizes work in the best interest of the patient, sharing the work with team members.
  • Assists with training new employees and students, being helpful and supportive in their teaching.
  • Attends department huddles, staff meetings and other required training.
  • Checks emails regularly for huddle minutes and important communications relevant to assignment.

Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Experience: Will train. One year of hospital clinical experience or demonstrated clinical efficiency preferred. Prior phlebotomy experience preferred.
  • License/Certifications: Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
  • Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office - basic computer skills. Customer/patient focused. Basic knowledge of computer systems used on analyzers, Sunquest and EPIC.
  • Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions. Demonstrates knowledge of computer programs for patient identification, registration, order, and sample tracking. Demonstrates basic knowledge of computer programs for reporting test results.
  • Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
  • Other: Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position. Work may occasionally require travel. May drive a UPH vehicle, rental or own vehicle.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

View All UnityPoint Health Jobs

Apply