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Lab Specimen Processing Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Technician I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$15.72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $19.05 - $19.30 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

Specimen Technician I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$15.72/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quest Diagnostics is recruiting for specimen processors/ lab assistants to join our team! Pay range: $19.05 - $19.30 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

Lab Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$41K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Provide training and oversight to staff assisting in specimen processing * Manage laboratory effort ... The Lab Manager works as part of the CRU team and will report to CRU Nurse Manager, assisting with ...

Laboratory Technician Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verifies product and/or test components when processing.

Laboratory Technician Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17.72 - $30.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verifies product and/or test components when processing.

Specimen Collector I

Rockville, MD · On-site

$16.25 - $18.25/hr

Duties will include maintaining the integrity of the collection process, maintaining records for ... Utilize Electronic Lab Requisitions (ELR) "FLUID" for sample submissions * Answer questions from ...

Specimen Collector I

Washington, DC · On-site

$17.13/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties will include maintaining the integrity of the collection process, maintaining records for ... Utilize Electronic Lab Requisitions (ELR) "FLUID" for sample submissions * Answer questions from ...

Showing results 21-40

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 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 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.
Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processing job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Specimen Technician I

Quest Diagnostics

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$15.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 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


Specimen Technician I - Chantilly, VA, Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 PM to 3:30 AM
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: $19.05 - $19.30 / 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!

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

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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