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Lab Specimen Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Eisenhower

Lab Tech Aide I

Rancho Mirage, CA · On-site

$20.71 - $31.46/hr

... processes specimens and specimen setup per department policy and procedure, and assists Clinical ... Lab Scientist (CLS), Histology Tech (HT), and Cytotechnologist (CT) with daily operation; performs ...

Eisenhower

Lab Tech Aide I

Rancho Mirage, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... processes specimens and specimen setup per department policy and procedure, and assists Clinical ... Lab Scientist (CLS), Histology Tech (HT), and Cytotechnologist (CT) with daily operation; performs ...

Moffitt

Lab Assistant Specialist - PRN Days

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$17.53 - $26.50/hr

Job duties include computer data entry and accessioning of orders, and also specimen processing ... Job Title: Lab Assistant Specialist I Minimum Education Level: High School Diploma/GED Minimum ...

CommonSpirit Health

Lab Assistant

Northridge, CA

This lab assistant will play a critical role in the Emergency Room schedule * Assist with specimen processing, including labeling, centrifuging, and aliquoting. * Prepare reagents and solutions ...

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Lab Specimen Processing information

How to become a lab specimen processing specialist?

To become a lab specimen processing specialist, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and familiarity with specimen handling; some positions may require certification or on-the-job training. Experience in healthcare or laboratory settings can improve job prospects.

What is lab specimen processing?

Lab specimen processing refers to the series of steps involved in receiving, identifying, preparing, and managing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory testing. This process ensures that specimens are accurately labeled, properly stored, and delivered to the appropriate department for analysis. Proper specimen processing is critical for obtaining reliable test results and maintaining patient safety. Staff handling this process must follow strict protocols to prevent contamination, mix-ups, or delays.

What are some common challenges faced in lab specimen processing, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab specimen processing professionals often encounter challenges such as handling a high volume of samples, ensuring accurate labeling, and maintaining specimen integrity under time constraints. Effective management involves staying organized, double-checking patient information, and following strict protocols to prevent contamination or mix-ups. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with laboratory technicians and medical staff are also key to minimizing errors and ensuring smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Lab Specimen Processing vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Specimen ProcessingMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratory support areas, focusing on specimen receipt and preparationLaboratory testing, analysis, and reporting of results
Job ResponsibilitiesReceiving, labeling, and preparing specimens for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, and documenting results

Lab Specimen Processing primarily involves preparing and handling specimens for testing, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform actual testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in the lab workflow, with overlapping skills in specimen handling and laboratory procedures, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab specimen processing technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with laboratory experience or certification preferred. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and specimen tracking software is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate specimen handling, minimize errors, and support efficient laboratory operations critical to patient diagnostics.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Specimen Processing jobs in California?

For Lab Specimen Processing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Specimen Processing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Specimen Processing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Specimen Processing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Specimen Processing job openings:

Lab Specimen Processing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 33% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Problem Resolution Specimen Coordinator

Quest Diagnostics

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$28.64 - $31.96/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


Problem Resolution Specimen Coordinator - San Juan Capistrano, CA, Sunday to Thursday, 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Pay range: $28.64 - $31.96 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or all hours worked on second shift and 15% for some or all hours worked on third shift. Additional details on shift differential will be provided if an offer is extended.
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!
This position assists department management and is responsible for conducting audits of all Specimen Processing processes to ensure the department maintains high standards in quality and compliance. Audits that could be performed by the Advanced Problem Resolution Coordinator may include Department and individual compliance audits, error tracking, etc. The position also functions proactively in a problem resolution capacity and works to identify and solve issues in regard to processing and testing laboratory specimens. Collaborates with various departments including, but not limited to Specimen Processing, Referral Testing, and Technical departments to research and resolve issues, expedite specimen testing and result reporting.
Responsibilities
  • All duties included in the Problem Resolution Technician job description with the clear objective and focus of preventing reoccurring issues.
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times. Will have access to overall employee and department performance. May have knowledge of disciplinary actions up to, and including termination. May have knowledge related to departmental performance that could be detrimental if released to the wrong environment
  • Demonstrates a good understanding of job duties and SOP's related to Specimen Processing in a production setting
  • Demonstrates and conveys an understanding of the compliance policies relating to test ordering, test reporting, add-on tests, TNP's, reflex tests, and custom panels
  • Conducts all regularly scheduled departmental audits and others as requested
  • Conducts audits comparing the requisition demographics and test information to the information that was entered into the laboratory information system during the data entry process
  • Identifies and documents any defects in the data entry process, using department defect definitions as a guide
  • Generates daily reports on quality to department supervisors
  • Maintains and reports department quality data to include compliance audits and Best Practice Team reports
  • Researches, responds, records, and submits additional errors regarding department quality to the department supervisor or manager as needed
  • Provides appropriate feedback to supervisors and managers when problems arise
  • Demonstrates ability to interpret specimen flow/tracking data utilizing all available reports and resources (e.g. specimen logs, work lists, management reports, laboratory information systems, front-end automation, testing instrumentation, etc.)
  • Understanding of QC electronic issues; ability to collaborate with IT & Sales on interfaces & technical issues
  • Manages projects as assigned that drive quality metrics
  • Performs audit of EMR requisitions to include: Pulls reports indicating failed EMRs and logs tickets for frequent offenders and follows up to ensure successful transmission of orders; Identifies discrepancies within EMR requisitions, such as test code or other data, logs ticket and follows up to ensure the quality of received orders
  • Client interfacing role requiring strong communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills
Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
Internal candidates must have a minimum of one year in Problem Resolution Tech/Group Leader or related role
Preferred Work Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 years Lab experience preferably in a production environment
  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory
  • Previous data/analytics experience
Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Able to sit or stand for long periods
  • Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits
  • Handles multiple tasks and works in a production environment
Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills required
  • Maintains composure while working under pressure
  • Reflects good judgment at all times when determining what action to take when resolving problems
  • Adheres to Quest Diagnostics core values, safety, and compliance policies and procedures
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment
  • Demonstrates flexibility and be able to change.
  • PC skills in Excel and Word applications with the ability to extract and analyze data
Education
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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