ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lifepoint Health

Laboratory Assistant PRN

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

The Laboratory Assistant also helps maintain inventory for phlebotomy, reference lab, and departmental office supplies, contributing to the overall efficiency and accuracy of laboratory services.

Lifepoint Health

Laboratory Assistant PRN

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

The Laboratory Assistant also helps maintain inventory for phlebotomy, reference lab, and departmental office supplies, contributing to the overall efficiency and accuracy of laboratory services.

Waverlyhealthcenter

Lab Assistant .4 FTE

Waverly, IA · On-site

In addition, the lab billing clerk is responsible for the following: * Resolve patient billing ... Works with billing office to post charges prior to receiving a reference laboratory bill. * Works ...

Boone County Hospital - Lab

Lab Assistant-PRN

Boone, IA · On-site

$17 - $21.70/hr

Verifies reference laboratory testing results in the laboratory information system * Collect urine drug screen specimens in accordance with federal laws * Perform breathe alcohol testing in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Iowa

Reference Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Iowa is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is a Reference Lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Iowa? For Reference Lab jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Iowa are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Lab Support Technician- Downtown

Lab Support Technician- Downtown

UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 350 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Unity Point St. Luke's- Downtown

Full Time, Days

8am-4:30p, rotate every third weekend.

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. 


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 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 focused on 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, health and vision 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.

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


  • 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. 

Education:  

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.  
  • Associate’s degree preferred. 

Experience:  

  • One (1) year of work experience required.  
  • Proficiency with Computer data entry functions required.  
  • Experience in lab registration, order entry and specimen processing as well as experience with medical necessity requirements preferred.  

License(s)/Certification(s):  

  • If designated to drive will be required to obtain OSHA Bio-Hazard Certification prior to transporting and maintain annually. 
  • Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reason required. 

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UnityPoint Health logo

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

View All UnityPoint Health Jobs

Apply