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Reference Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hospital or reference laboratory experience * Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a stressful environment * Preferred: Master's degree (MB ...

Handles reagent/analyzer contracts, reference lab agreements, blood bank, POCT, specimen collection ... laboratory contracts (send-out testing, esoteric testing, genetics) Assess blood bank utilization ...

Director of Laboratory

Ottumwa, IA

$99.80K - $130.30K/yr

Ensures the continued growth of the reference laboratory and hospital by actively utilizing client recruitment, retention, customer relations and marketing strategies. * Is responsible for employee ...

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How much do reference laboratory jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference laboratory in the United States is $96,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Reference Laboratory job?

A Reference Laboratory job typically involves performing specialized diagnostic testing that may not be available in a standard clinical laboratory. Professionals in this field analyze complex specimens, ensure accuracy and quality control, and provide critical data for medical diagnosis and treatment. These labs often handle tests referred by hospitals, clinics, and physicians that require advanced equipment and expertise. Employees may work in roles such as laboratory technicians, technologists, or scientists, depending on their qualifications and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Reference Laboratory position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Reference Laboratory position, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and expertise in diagnostic testing, usually supported by a degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated analyzers, and relevant certifications like ASCP or equivalent are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help professionals excel in this environment. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate, timely results and maintaining quality standards essential for patient care and research.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of professionals working in a Reference Laboratory?

As a Reference Laboratory professional, your daily responsibilities generally include performing specialized diagnostic tests, analyzing specimens, validating test results, and maintaining accurate records in laboratory systems. You may also be responsible for operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment, adhering to strict quality control protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaboration with physicians, researchers, and other laboratory personnel is common to ensure that test results are interpreted accurately and delivered promptly. These tasks help maintain the high accuracy and reliability that medical providers and patients depend on in specialized testing.
What cities are hiring for Reference Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Reference Laboratory job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Laboratory jobs? The most popular types of Reference Laboratory jobs are:
What states have the most Reference Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Reference Laboratory jobs include:
Infographic showing various Reference Laboratory job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,784 per year, or $46.5 per hour.
Laboratory Support Technician-Phlebotomy- Downtown

Laboratory Support Technician-Phlebotomy- Downtown

UnityPoint Health

Sioux City, IA

$18.75 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 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

4-10-hr. shifts, 3a-1:30p, rotating weekends and holidays

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. 

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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