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Lab Specimen Processing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

West Hills, CA · On-site

$17.47/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $20.01 - $22.95 / hour Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant ...

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

West Hills, CA · On-site

$17.47/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $20.01 - $22.95 / hour ; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

Quest Diagnostics

Specimen Technician I

West Hills, CA · On-site

$17.47/hr

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $20.01 - $22.95 / hour Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant ...

Exagen Inc.

Laboratory Technician I

Vista, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Capable of identifying specimen processing problems that may adversely affect the reporting of test ... Operates lab equipment such as Phadia, Bioflash, Quanta-Lyser, Optilite, Mass spectrometers ...

HiredFirst

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$1K - $2K/wk

Perform and prioritize clinical lab testing across multiple departments * Ensure accurate specimen processing, testing, and result reporting * Perform blood bank testing (gel and tube methods)

All Medical Personnel

Lab - Phlebotomist

Hayward, CA

$22.90 - $28.30/hr

As a Lab Phlebotomist, you will play a vital role in the laboratory testing process by efficiently ... Perform additional duties related to specimen processing and record keeping as directed. Required ...

AHMC Healthcare

CLIN LAB SCIENTIST II

Daly City, CA · On-site

$65.08/hr

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... assistants. Troubleshoots problems related to patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen ...

AHMC Healthcare

CLIN LAB SCIENTIST II

Daly City, CA

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... assistants. Troubleshoots problems related to patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen ...

AHMC Healthcare

CLIN LAB SCIENTIST II

Daly City, CA · On-site

$65.08/hr

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... assistants. Troubleshoots problems related to patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen ...

AHMC Healthcare

CLIN LAB SCIENTIST II

Daly City, CA

... of specimen throughout the testing process. Assists in oversight of phlebotomists and lab ... assistants. Troubleshoots problems related to patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen ...

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Lab Specimen Processing information

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Specimen Technician I

Specimen Technician I

Quest Diagnostics

West Hills, CA • On-site

$17.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Job Description
Specimen Technician I - West Hills, CA, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Do you have strong organization skills and attention to detail? Are you looking to join a Fortune 500 company leading the world in providing diagnostic information services to kick start your career? Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team!
Pay range: $20.01 - $22.95 / hour
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!

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities:
  • Data entry of test orders, presort, pickup and delivery of processed specimens to the laboratory, centrifugation and aliquoting
  • Process specimens to be sent out to additional facilities
  • Prepare laboratory specimens for various analysis and testing
  • Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc.
  • Understands the relationship between tests ordered and specimen received

Qualifications
Qualifications:
  • HS diploma or equivalent
  • No experience required
  • Previous experience in a production or medical environment preferred
  • Must have flexibility, majority of work on the nightshift, but based on staffing needs weekends, holidays, on call and overtime may be 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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