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Reference Lab Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Accessioner

Euclid, OH

$15.50 - $18/hr

Process and accession laboratory samples for in-house testing and reference lab testing. Must be able to troubleshoot problems when necessary. Set-up and prepare samples for testing and ensure that ...

Specimen Accessioner

Euclid, OH

$15.75 - $18.25/hr

Job Responsibilities • Enter patient demographic and test information accurately into the computer system. • Process and accession laboratory samples for in-house testing and reference lab ...

Specimen Accessioner

Euclid, OH · On-site

$15.50 - $18/hr

Job Responsibilities • Enter patient demographic and test information accurately into the computer system. • Process and accession laboratory samples for in-house testing and reference lab ...

Medical Assistant

Mentor, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/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

Mentor, OH

$15.75 - $20.25/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

Mentor, OH

$15.75 - $20.25/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

Phlebotomist

Marysville, OH

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Process specimens according the reference lab guidelines.* Tracking and review tests results in EHR every day.* Communicates with providers, clinic staff and reference lab forsmooth operation of the ...

Medical Assistant

Mentor, OH

$15.75 - $20.25/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

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Reference Lab information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$24

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab in Ohio is $24.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $26.49 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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Reference Lab jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Reference Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Ohio as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,927 per year, or $24 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Processor - Main Immediate Response Lab - PRN

The Christ Hospital

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Christ Hospital Health Network rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

448th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Description
Completes high volume preanalytical sample processing for clinical hospital laboratory, ensures samples are loaded on the line when applicable or hand received when needed, delivers specimens to appropriate lab bench when needed, researches sample status, places samples on transit lists to other laboratories, answers laboratory phones, problem solves when needed, provides collection supplies to nursing units, manages flow of tube system, troubleshoots and performs routine maintenance on laboratory equipment, and performs clerical, quality, and miscellaneous duties as needed.
Responsibilities
Performs core pre-analytical processing:
  • Collection verifies specimens in a timely manner with minimal errors
  • Preforms pre-analytic processing such as centrifuging samples, basic aliquoting as necessary with minimal errors
  • Processes samples in a timely manner, giving highest priority to stat samples
  • Distributes samples to the correct work area in a timely manner, ensuring that stat samples are separated from non-stat samples
  • Performs daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and performance checks on departmental equipment as assigned and performs other routine maintenance (housekeeping, safety, etc) in the department
  • Creates a transit list and prepares samples for transit to reference labs
  • Finds patient information using Patient Inquiry
  • Utilizes Status Change to reprint labels or identify status related information
  • Pulls transit list summary for samples and resolves outstanding issues
  • Enters add on orders for nursing and phlebotomy staff

Performs special processing functions:
  • Ability to "walk in" outpatient sample orders in EPIC
  • Microbiology Samples - ensures appropriate sample type has been collected, test is appropriately ordered and labeled, and resolves discrepancies before sending sample to reference lab
  • 24 Hour Urine Samples - ensures volume for each sample is accurately measured and recorded; enters height and weight requirement as needed, prepares aliquot sample for in house or reference lab testing, ensures sufficient volume is provided; adjusts pH as required for testing, or adds necessary preservative materials.
  • Fluid Samples
    • Ensures CSF samples are collection verified and delivered to the hematology bench for assessment of testing. Processes sample using proper protocols for in-house testing or transit to reference lab.
    • Ensures Non -CSF fluids are assessed, properly aliquoted and delivered to the Hematology bench
  • Special Coagulation samples - ensures appropriate samples have been collected; processes samples according to testing requirements (e.g., double centrifugation following special instructions); Stores in appropriate temperature environment.
  • Handles miscellaneous test orders. Ensures specimen requirements for the test have been met by checking resources and processes appropriately
  • Assists in the collection and processing of bone marrow specimens

Communication and training:
  • Answers laboratory phone(s) promptly, in a courteous manner, identifying oneself to the caller
  • Handles phone requests with minimal call transfers
  • Communicates staffing issues or delays with nursing staff in EPIC secure chat
  • Performs training and provides feedback for new processors
  • Assists co-workers in problem resolution
  • Ensures all required forms and requisitions are filled out properly
  • Acts as liaison between phlebotomists and technologists as a processing subject matter expert
  • Completes all required trainings by their due date

Technical, instrumentation, and clerical duties:
  • Understands operation of the Automate front end processing unit
  • Routinely performs scheduled maintenance
  • Troubleshoots instrument issues, documents and escalates accordingly
  • Manages and resolves "exception" samples that the instrument does not process
  • Ensures compliance with the clinical laboratory Quality Management Program and assists in entering and answering Internal Quality Error (IQEs)
  • Assists Quality leadership in answering formal complaints from nursing staff
  • Participates in policy review and communicates the need for required change
  • Coordinates activities and prepares for regulatory inspections and audits
  • Ensures area is free of expired supplies
  • Participates in inventory management and communicates any issues immediately with supply chain personnel
  • Maintains currency in the field through participation in continuing education opportunities
  • Ability to utilize basic Microsoft office applications

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Please describe any specialized knowledge or skills, which are REQUIRED to perform the position duties. Do not personalize the job description, credentials, or knowledge and skills based on the current associate. List any special education required for this position.
EDUCATION:
High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's or associate degree in science preferred, but not required.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of one year of laboratory experience or six months experience as an Inpatient Phlebotomist at TCHHN required.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Ability to read and comprehend written information required; ability to effectively and efficiently perform a variety of job duties in a stressful, fast paced environment is required; data entry skills required.
Superior time management, multitasking, planning and organization skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Critical thinking skills to support quality decision-making.
Working knowledge of basic computer applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
N/A

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