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Lab Specimen Processor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Lab Support Tech

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Provides specimen processing for reference laboratory outreach patient testing, and initiates inpatient processing, requiring handling of patient specimens. * Assists lab outpatients in the ...

UnityPoint Health

Lab Support Tech

Sioux City, IA

$19 - $25.25/hr

Provides specimen processing for reference laboratory outreach patient testing, and initiates inpatient processing, requiring handling of patient specimens. * Assists lab outpatients in the ...

Trinityhealth

Lab Assistant FT Evenings

Des Moines, IA · On-site

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 ...

UnityPoint Health

Medical Lab Tech

Fort Dodge, IA

... Lab Technician where every test, specimen, and result plays a vital role in patient care. In this ... specimen processing, no two days are ever the same. We're looking for someone who thrives on ...

UnityPoint Health

Medical Lab Tech

Fort Dodge, IA

... Lab Technician where every test, specimen, and result plays a vital role in patient care. In this ... specimen processing, no two days are ever the same. We're looking for someone who thrives on ...

UnityPoint Health

Medical Lab Tech

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

... Lab Technician where every test, specimen, and result plays a vital role in patient care. In this ... specimen processing, no two days are ever the same. We're looking for someone who thrives on ...

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All JobsLab Specimen Processor JobsLab Specimen Processor Jobs in Iowa

Lab Specimen Processor information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$16

$21

How much do lab specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab specimen processor in Iowa is $16.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectLab Specimen ProcessorLab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on specimen handlingAssociate degree or certification; more technical training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, focusing on specimen preparationLaboratory, often performing tests and analyses
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic facilities
Common TasksReceiving, labeling, and processing specimensPerforming tests, recording results, maintaining equipment

While both roles work in laboratory environments, Lab Specimen Processors primarily handle specimen preparation and labeling, whereas Lab Technicians perform testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What does a Lab Specimen Processor do?

A Lab Specimen Processor is responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for laboratory testing. They ensure specimens are properly identified and handled according to strict protocols to maintain accuracy and prevent contamination. Their work is essential in supporting laboratory technicians and medical staff, as timely and accurate processing of specimens directly affects test results and patient care. Lab Specimen Processors may also enter data into laboratory information systems and maintain sample storage areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Specimen Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Specimen Processor, you need attention to detail, organizational skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring laboratory experience or relevant coursework. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and safe specimen handling protocols is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate specimen processing, minimize errors, and support the timely delivery of laboratory results crucial for patient care.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior scientists, laboratory managers, or specialized pathologists, depending on the industry and level of experience. These positions typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive expertise, and they often involve leadership responsibilities and complex technical skills.

What do lab specimen processors do?

Lab specimen processors are responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological samples such as blood, urine, or tissue for testing. They follow strict safety and quality protocols, often using laboratory equipment and computer systems to track specimens throughout the testing process.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a lab specimen processor, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and some positions may prefer post-secondary education or training in biology, chemistry, or related fields. Basic skills in laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are important, and certifications such as OSHA training can be beneficial.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Specimen Processors and how can they be managed?

Lab Specimen Processors often deal with high volumes of specimens, strict turnaround times, and the need to ensure accuracy when labeling and handling samples. Managing these challenges requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with both laboratory staff and healthcare providers. Developing a methodical workflow, double-checking specimen information, and staying current with safety protocols can help prevent errors and maintain a smooth operation, even during busy periods.

How to become a lab specimen processor?

To become a lab specimen processor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must be detail-oriented with good organizational skills. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with laboratory procedures and safety protocols is beneficial; some positions may require basic knowledge of laboratory equipment or certifications in phlebotomy or laboratory safety.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa? For Lab Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Specimen Processor jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lab Specimen Processor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lab Specimen Processor job openings:
Lab Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Specimen Processor job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,199 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Lab Support Tech

Lab Support Tech

UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Performs specimen processing and assists with the collection of patient specimens for laboratory testing.

  • Completes complex patient registrations, test ordering, and documentation in both the Hospital Information System and Laboratory Information System.

  • Communicates test results and interacts with providers, clients, patients, and other hospital departments regarding laboratory services.

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
UnityPoint-St Luke's
Full-Time
M-F 11am-7:30pm
Interfaces the laboratory to its Reference Laboratory and Hospital Customers by performing complex reference laboratory patient registrations as well as registrations for hospital laboratory outpatients, in both the Hospital Information System as well as in the Laboratory Information System. Determines Reference Laboratory billing based on numerous location codes for each facility. Orders all testing for the hospital laboratory in the Laboratory Information System, receives electronic orders and completes appropriately, and determines and validates medical necessity of all lab orders in addition to obtaining appropriate diagnoses from providers. Verifies the integrity of Reference Lab outreach shipments, performs specimen processing and communicates with Outreach Reference Clients and various hospital departments. Communicates specimen deliveries with laboratory couriers, communicates and distributes test results to providers, clients, and patients, performs manual charge entry and performs support functions for the pathologists, including medical examiner requests.
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
Clinical Excellence/Patient Care
  • Provides specimen processing for reference laboratory outreach patient testing, and initiates inpatient processing, requiring handling of patient specimens.
  • Assists lab outpatients in the collection process of specimens for testing.
  • Monitors patients during more complex lab test procedures and patients being held for provider notification of test results.
  • Uses the Lab and Mayo On-line test catalogs to ensure that the correct tests are ordered for providers and patients.
  • Assists patients in the completion of Authorizations prior to release of test information.
  • Initiates and resolves the problem patient specimen resolution process for the laboratory.
  • Communicates and interacts with patients and their families, with compassion and empathy, both on the phone and at the lab department.
  • Informs patients of potential denial by insurance, estimates appropriate costs and obtains appropriate ABN or Insurance Waiver according to insurance. Adds modifiers and account notes as appropriate per regulations.
  • Completes daily quality audits of the patient lab record.

Technical and Operational Expertise
  • Performs complex reference laboratory patient registrations as well as registrations for hospital laboratory outpatients, in both the Hospital Information System as well as in the Laboratory Information System, with a high degree of focus and minimal registration errors.
  • Investigates and confirms insurance eligibility with minimal information available by phone or computer to prevent error and delay of payment.
  • Registration, test ordering, and processing outside facility pre-specimen collections to include lab test label generation.
  • Obtains, investigates, and verifies both written and add on orders from physicians and other care providers, both for reference lab clients and lab outpatients. Scans all order documentation, etc. into the appropriate patient's medical record.
  • Obtains diagnoses for lab testing performed, and determines appropriate medical necessity and coding documentation in compliance with CMS and Health System Guidelines. Researches National and Local Coverage Determinations to assist with diagnosis and medical necessity with lab clients.
  • Investigation of denials, to include insurance and medical necessity issues for resolution.
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of lab test order codes in the Lab Information System. Receives and completes electronic interfaced test orders from lab clients appropriately.
  • Determination and entry of numerous different location codes into the Hospital Information System, as well as the Laboratory Information System, dependent on reference facility to facilitate test results interfacing to the correct client and facility.
  • Determines whether reference client billing or insurance billing is required dependent on pre-set client and insurance requirements. Interface number entry requirement dependent on type of lab interface with each client.
  • Specimen processing to include verification of the integrity of specimen shipments through patient identification processes and specimen receipt verification. Handles and distributes specimens to work areas by manual delivery to lab hospital departments. Centrifugation, handling, and separating specimens with specific knowledge of which tests are performed in each lab department.
  • Performs various lab business office functions within regulatory guidelines that include but are not limited to registration operations, insurance verification, confidential fax verifications, and other functions as required.
  • Knowledge of lab CPT codes as well as diagnosis codes and enters them in the patient's record for appropriate billing to insurance.
  • Performs support functions for pathologists to include medical examiner requests, consult processing, pathology registrations, billing functions, etc.
  • Manual lab charge entry into patient accounts. Calculation of Medicare Travel Charges and charge entry to include appropriate documentation.
  • Orders and maintains office supply inventory for all lab departments, including pathology.
  • Collects and processes specimens by performing phlebotomy collection, labeling, centrifuging, organizing by Laboratory section(s), aliquoting, and storingPrepares specimens for transport according to Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
  • Provides information through verbal and written communication in person, over the telephone, or via email, concerning specimen collection, patient results, interface ordering, normal values, Laboratory operation, and phlebotomy; and monitors interface orders to ensure specimen collection.

Communication and Promotion of Educational Skills
  • Recognizes and communicates critical information, special requests, unusual orders, etc. by including special comments during the registration and order entry process or by contacting key laboratory individuals.
  • Provides the clerical component of result reporting, which includes but is not limited to the production and filing of computer reports, and the distribution of reports by mail, FAX, personal distribution or telephone.
  • Communicates test results to providers, patients, hospitals, and facilities with compliance to HIPAA laws and regulations. Scans non-interfaced reports into the appropriate patient's medical record.
  • Services needs of lab customers by providing information to reference lab and hospital customers or routing calls to others.
  • Communicates timely information and requests with lab couriers, including delivery, requests, and specimen pickups.
  • Trains new lab registration staff and technical staff in lab business office functions as appropriate.
  • Participates in taking call to support staff on weekends and holidays.

Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or equivalency required.
  • Experience: 1 year work experience required. Proficiency with computer data entry functions.
  • License/Certifications: If designated to drive it will be required obtain OSHA Bio-Hazard Certification prior to transporting and maintain annually. 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. Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.
  • Other: Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

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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

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