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Specimen Processing Associate Jobs in North Carolina

Clinical Research Specialist, Sr.

Durham, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Work requires an Associate's degree * One year of relevant experience required. Completion of the ... Specimen processing experience is a plus Other Requirements: * Necessary licenses, registrations ...

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Dedicated Field Service Engineer

Burlington, NC · On-site

$35 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology, Industrial, Electrical, or Mechanical ... COPAN's automation includes specimen processing, smart incubation, digital imaging, and strong ...

Urgent

... specimen preparation for the urine toxicology or clinical laboratory. Receive, properly sort, handle and accession samples for analysis. Review sample requisitions for acceptable criteria and process ...

... specimen preparation for the urine toxicology or clinical laboratory. Receive, properly sort, handle and accession samples for analysis. Review sample requisitions for acceptable criteria and process ...

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Specimen Processing Associate information

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

Specimen Processing Associates often work in fast-paced laboratory environments where attention to detail and accuracy are crucial. A common challenge includes handling high volumes of specimens while maintaining precise labeling and data entry to prevent errors. Effective time management and familiarity with laboratory information systems can help manage these demands. Additionally, clear communication with laboratory staff and adherence to safety protocols ensure smooth workflow and minimize the risk of contamination or misidentification.

What does a specimen processing associate do?

A Specimen Processing Associate is responsible for receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue samples—for laboratory analysis. They ensure samples are accurately documented, sorted, and stored according to strict protocols to maintain sample integrity. This role is crucial for the timely and accurate processing of specimens, which supports laboratory testing and patient diagnosis. Specimen Processing Associates must follow safety guidelines and maintain detailed records throughout the process.

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

AspectSpecimen Processing AssociateLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingAssociate degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, clinicsLaboratories, research facilities, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHospitals, diagnostic labs, clinicsMedical labs, research institutions, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonSpecimen Processing Associate vs Laboratory Technician

The main difference is that a Specimen Processing Associate primarily handles the initial processing and preparation of specimens, requiring less formal education. In contrast, a Laboratory Technician often performs more complex testing and analysis, usually requiring an associate degree or certification. Both roles work in similar environments like hospitals and labs, but Laboratory Technicians typically have broader responsibilities and advanced training.

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

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Associate, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode scanners, and specimen tracking software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and timely workflow in specimen management. These skills are crucial for maintaining specimen integrity, preventing errors, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

Histology/Cytology Technician - DAPDA - PRN, As Needed

Duke University

Durham, NC

Per diem

Posted 25 days ago


Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.

General Description

Perform routine histopathologic tests and/or cytopathology specimen processing in a clinical laboratory for use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Duties and Responsibilities

HISTOLOGY

  • Perform routine paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
  • Perform frozen cryostat sectioning.
  • Prepare specimens and reagents for processing; perform routine and special staining techniques. Label, file, discard and maintain records of slides and blocks.

CYTOPATHOLOGY

  • Check specimen container for completeness regarding demographic information to include specimen source against requisition/order.
  • Receive & accession specimens to include gross description & any notes as needed.
  • Evaluate specimen for correct preparation protocol.
  • Prepare specimen according to appropriate specimen protocol SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to include staining/cover slipping, & labeling.
  • Troubleshoot specimen preparation issues as they arise alerting appropriate cytology staff, as necessary.

COMMON TASKS

  • Reconcile labels with finished products and provide specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by the pathologist.
  • Order appropriate tests on the computer.
  • Perform various Quality Control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations. Utilize various hospital information systems and software.
  • May demonstrate/teach preparatory techniques/instrument use to residents, fellows, medical students, & visiting students.

Required Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma required. Associate Degree in Science preferred.

Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

None required.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Able to listen, read, understand and perform assigned laboratories.
  • Manual dexterity skills adequate for fine detail work.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.


Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US