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Specimen Management Associate Jobs in Rochester, NY

Clinical Aide

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Manage the non-nursing portion of the patient admission such as the handling of belongings and ... Diploma, Certificate, or Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting, or similar. Experience: * A ...

Clinical Aide

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Manage the non-nursing portion of the patient admission such as the handling of belongings and ... Diploma, Certificate, or Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting, or similar. Experience: * A ...

Specimen Management Associate information

What is a specimen management associate?

Specimen Management Associates are professionals who handle, process, and track biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue samples—within medical and research laboratory settings. Their main responsibilities include receiving, labeling, sorting, and ensuring the integrity of specimens before they are sent to the appropriate departments for testing. They also maintain accurate records, follow strict safety protocols, and may communicate with clinical staff regarding specimen requirements. This role is essential for ensuring timely and accurate laboratory results. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of laboratory procedures are important for success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen management associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Specimen Management Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with laboratory experience often preferred. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and sample tracking software is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively coordinate with lab staff and ensure accuracy. These skills are essential to maintain specimen integrity, prevent errors, and support efficient laboratory operations.

What are some common challenges faced by specimen management associates, and how can they be overcome?

Specimen Management Associates often face challenges related to handling a high volume of samples while maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict protocols. Ensuring proper labeling, tracking chain of custody, and preventing cross-contamination require keen attention to detail and effective time management. Collaborating closely with laboratory staff and utilizing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) can help streamline processes and reduce errors. Continuous training and adherence to standard operating procedures also play a vital role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring specimen integrity.

What is the difference between Specimen Management Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen Management AssociateLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in specimen handlingAssociate degree in laboratory science or related field; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs focusing on specimen collection and managementLaboratories performing tests, analysis, and sample processing
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities, diagnostic labs, research institutionsMedical labs, research labs, biotech companies

While both roles support laboratory operations, the Specimen Management Associate primarily handles specimen collection, labeling, and storage, whereas the Laboratory Technician performs testing and analysis on samples. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings but differ in technical responsibilities and required certifications.

How do you become a specimen management associate?

To become a specimen management associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in laboratory or healthcare environments. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of specimen handling procedures, and familiarity with laboratory information systems; some positions may require certification or training in biosafety or specimen management.

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Specimen Management Associate jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Specimen Management Associate job openings:

Lead Specimen Management Tech (Full-Time, Evenings/Nights)

Rochester Regional Health

Rochester, NY • On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Rochester Regional Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 895 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title: Lead Specimen Management Tech

Department: Specimen Processing

Location: Rochester Regional Elmgrove | 160 Elmgrove Pk. Rochester, NY 14624

Hours Per Week: 40

Schedule: Evening/night shift, 6:00p - 2:30a

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager, oversees daily operational needs of the department associated with staffing, education, competency and quality improvement. Assures that decisions related to scope of responsibility are made within all department, hospital and regulatory agency guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Has a thorough understanding of every area of the division. Has the ability to fill in for any staffing slot or workflow issue, including the HIS and LIS computer systems; this may include at off-site locations.
  • Through mentoring, coaching and positive reinforcement, provides direction and assists Supervisors and Manager and Director in facilitating operations and workflow to assure work is completed timely, service areas are
    appropriately staffed and team is meeting all service and quality standards.
  • Responsible for creating staff schedules and maintaining changes to assure day to day operations are covered including re-arranging and dispatching staff as needed.
  • Assists in the approval of vacation time.
  • Assists in adjusting or completing timecards and documenting adjustments based on changes on the schedule.
  • Under the direction of Supervisor/Manager or designee, assists with personnel duties such as orienting, training, performance evaluations and coaching for performance improvement.
  • Responsible for the oversight and direct teaching to all system inpatient and outpatient departments as it relates to Pathology and the morgue processes. This includes but is not limited to nursing
  • Adheres to staffing budgets, notifying Supervisors or Manager of discrepancies and overtime.
  • May be asked to troubleshoot problems, interpret information on the requisitions, and research test requests.
  • Based on Quality Assurance Data is responsible for determining gaps in quality and competency that can affect patient safety and quality outcomes.
  • Proactively engage team members where gaps in performance are identified and provide education and training to bring quality and service to appropriate levels as outlined by policy/procedure and assuring success with quality goals as established by laboratory/ambulatory leadership.
  • Responsible for coordination of all morgue activities, autopsies and all processes surrounding autopsies as well as movement of deceased into and out of the morgue. This includes assisting nursing units and ED as well as all affiliates who transport deceased patients to RGH for autopsy.
  • Demonstrates commitment to the RRH Standards of Behavior consistently

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 3-5 yrs of relevant laboratory experience with increasing responsibilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associates degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and work experience

EDUCATION:

LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

M - Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; Requires frequent walking, standing or squatting.

For disease specific care programs refer to the program specific requirements of the department for further specifications on experience and educational expectations, including continuing education requirements.

Any physical requirements reported by a prospective employee and/or employee's physician or delegate will be considered for accommodations.

PAY RANGE:

$19.50 - $23.00

CITY:

Rochester

POSTAL CODE:

14624

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for a successful full time applicant. It may be modified in the future and eligible for additional pay components. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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