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Reference Lab Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Essential Functions Reference Lab: * Performs sickle cell testing * Performs platelet cross-matching * Performs RBC cross-matching * Performs ABO/Rh on patients * Performs antigen typing * Performs ...

Medical Assistant- PRN

Fuquay Varina, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Statesville, NC · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Sanford, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Medical Assistant

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Draw blood and preparation labs for reference lab processing and/or in-house processing * Perform laboratory tests, lab-quality controls, and equipment maintenance according to written instructions

Showing results 41-60

Reference Lab information

See North Carolina salary details

$8

$22

$41

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in North Carolina is $22.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $25.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reference laboratory technician?

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 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 does a reference lab do?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are often not available at standard labs. They process samples from healthcare providers, using advanced equipment and techniques, and typically require trained personnel and quality certifications to ensure accurate results.

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Reference Lab jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Reference Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,727 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Immunohematology Specialist

tbc

Morrisville, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


TBC Corporation rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 421 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Schedule: Thursday-Sunday, 9:00pm to 7:30am

  • 24 Days PTO! - Use it, Cash it, Roll it
  • Potential Company Bonuses
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Vision, and Dental)
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care FSA
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Basic Life Insurance

Shift Differentials:

  • Extra $1.50/hr. after 7:00pm; extra $2.00/hr. on the weekend     

Position Overview

  • A Testing Lab (Immunohematology) Specialist is a clinical laboratory scientist with a broad knowledge of procedures routinely performed in a medical laboratory and a working knowledge of all procedures performed in a relevant specialty area. 
  • Primarily involves the application of this knowledge through the performance of analytical related tasks using blood or blood products, the correlation of test results and the solution of testing problems, and the continued development of operational skills through daily workload responsibilities.

Essential Functions


Reference Lab:

  • Performs sickle cell testing
  • Performs platelet cross-matching
  • Performs RBC cross-matching
  • Performs ABO/Rh on patients
  • Performs antigen typing
  • Performs quality control
  • Correlates laboratory test results with patient diagnosis and treatment
  • Teaches MLT students during clinical rotation
  • Performs antibody identification procedures
  • Fills blood orders
  • Maintains adequate inventory of rare frozen blood
  • Rotates on-call responsibilities

Laboratory Computer:

  • Uses the LIS to manage donor-testing information generated by automated testing equipment

Quarantining/Discarding Blood Components:

  • Identifies products that require quarantine or discard due to non-conforming test results and communicates information to the component lab

Equipment Care:

  • Performs calibration of equipment as needed
  • Performs maintenance procedures as indicated by equipment manufacturer’s recommendations

Miscellaneous:

  • Other duties as assigned or required

Minimum Qualifications

  • ASCP Certification preferred, but not required
  • MLT/MT Degree strongly preferred or Associates Degree in Laboratory Science or one of the following:
    • Completion of a clinical lab training program or
    • 3 months training in each specialty in which high complexity testing is performed
    • 60 semester hours including 24 semesters of medical lab technology;
    • 60 semester hours including 24 hours of science that includes 6 hours chemistry, 6 hours biology and 12 hours chemistry, biology, or medical lab tech in any combination and laboratory training that includes either:
  • ASCP certification required either before or after employment
  • Ability to organize and prioritize workload and meet deadlines
  • Ability to communicate effectively, tactfully, and courteously to patrons, donors, sponsors, and co-workers
  • Ability to work with all levels and in a diverse work environment
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, and peers

Physical Demands

  • Lifting, carrying, pulling and/or pushing up to 50 pounds
  • Repetitive sitting to standing movement throughout a shift
  • Bending and twisting

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