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Lab Specimen Processing Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Processor

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Medical Assistant or Lab Technician preferred or experience with specimen processing. * Excellent customer relation skills. * Mathematical, verbal, and written skills at the high school level ...

Specimen Processor

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Medical Assistant or Lab Technician preferred or experience with specimen processing. * Excellent customer relation skills. * Mathematical, verbal, and written skills at the high school level ...

Specimen Processor

Morehead City, NC · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

Medical Assistant or Lab Technician preferred or experience with specimen processing. * Excellent customer relation skills. * Mathematical, verbal, and written skills at the high school level ...

Lab Specimen Accessioner

Greenville, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Specimen Processor I to join our team in Greenville, NC . Work Schedule ... in lab, accessioning, production, manufacturing, or warehouse Additional Job Standards:

Lab Specimen Accessioner

Greenville, NC

$15.25 - $18/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Specimen Processor I to join our team in Greenville, NC . Work Schedule ... in lab, accessioning, production, manufacturing, or warehouse Additional Job Standards:

Lab Specimen Accessioner

Greenville, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Specimen Processor I to join our team in Greenville, NC . Work Schedule ... in lab, accessioning, production, manufacturing, or warehouse Additional Job Standards:

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Lab Specimen Processing information

See North Carolina salary details

$10

$15

$22

How much do lab specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab specimen processing in North Carolina is $15.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How do you become a lab specimen processor?

To become a lab specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or certification in specimen handling and safety protocols. Some positions may require basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and the ability to operate lab equipment; prior experience in healthcare or laboratory settings can be beneficial.

What skills are needed to become a lab specimen processing specialist?

A lab specimen processing specialist needs strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow strict safety and procedural protocols. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic computer skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment are also important. Certifications in phlebotomy or laboratory procedures can be advantageous.

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

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

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Lab Specimen Processing jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Lab Specimen Processing job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processing job openings in North Carolina as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,482 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Specimen Processor

Morehead City, NC • On-site

Carteret Health Care
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

$15 - $17.50/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Carteret Health Care rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

418th of 1,066 rated hospitals


Job description

  • JOB RELATIONSHIPS
    • The specimen processor is responsible to the Pathologist, Lab Administrative Director, and Lab Manager, and will function under the direction of the Lab Supervisors.
  • DEFINITION OF POSITION
    • The specimen processor's primary job is the handling of specimens. This will include [but is not limited to]:
      • ORDER ENTRY
        • registering the patient's visit
        • ordering the requested test(s)
        • receiving the specimen
        • printing the requisition sheet
        • labeling the specimen
        • performing processing necessary to ready it for testing or send out
      • SPECIMEN PROCESSING
        • ensuring that the specimen obtained is the specimen(s) of choice for the test(s) requested.
        • taking the specimen to the appropriate department for testing (once processed) or properly storing for send out.
        • for tests not ordered thru the LIS: knowing which manual form to use, how to correctly fill it out; how the specimen must be packaged to current regulations (addressing the shipment of biohazard us material); recording information concerning mail outs to facilitate specimen tracking; copying and distributing reports to the proper agencies and filing the lab's copy.
    • These procedure(s) will be done with the Outpatient center, the Imaging Center, Oncology/CoRad specimens, Home Health specimens, and courier specimens.
    • The specimen processor also performs a variety of clerical duties including answering the phone, dispatching phlebotomists and responding to requests for patient reports and other patient information that may be needed.
  • QUALIFICATIONS
    • Professional
      • Medical Assistant or Lab Technician preferred or experience with specimen processing.
      • Excellent customer relation skills.
      • Mathematical, verbal, and written skills at the high school level. (Minimum)

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About Carteret Health Care

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Welcome to Carteret Health Care in Morehead City on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Come for the lifestyle, stay for the rewarding career. Imagine being able to live, work and play at the beach. Enjoying a wonderful quality of life, great recreational activities and excellent schools. As part of our mission to promote wellness and service to our community through exceptional quality and compassionate care, our employees are committed to our 'Navigating to Excellence' performance improvement initiative. We offer competitive employee benefits and salaries. Please consider joining our dedicated team — and make a difference every day.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Morehead City, NC, US

Year founded

1967

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