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Specimen Processing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sonic Healthcare USA

Phlebotomist - One Health

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $22/hr

Ensure proper specimen processing, labeling, and test ordering. * Champion safety, compliance, and quality control. All you need is: * High School Diploma or equivalent * Previous phlebotomy training ...

Sonic Healthcare USA

Phlebotomist - One Health

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $22/hr

Ensure proper specimen processing, labeling, and test ordering. * Champion safety, compliance, and quality control. All you need is: * High School Diploma or equivalent * Previous phlebotomy training ...

United Surgical Partners

PRN PreOp RN

Manassas, VA · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Strictly follows departmental and standard clinical operating procedures. • Labels all specimens accurately by affixing the computer-processing label. Handles STATS specimen immediately. • Labels ...

Sonic Healthcare USA

Phlebotomist - Chantilly, VA

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Ensure proper specimen processing, labeling, and test ordering. * Champion safety, compliance, and quality control. All you need is: * High School Diploma or equivalent * Previous phlebotomy training ...

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Specimen Processing information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing in Virginia is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a specimen processor?

To become a specimen processor, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with handling biological samples; some positions may require on-the-job training or certification in safety protocols. Experience with laboratory equipment and good communication skills can improve job prospects.

What are some common challenges faced in a Specimen Processing role, and how can they be managed?

Specimen Processing professionals often handle a high volume of samples and must adhere to strict protocols to ensure accuracy and prevent contamination. Common challenges include managing time effectively during peak hours, maintaining attention to detail when labeling and documenting specimens, and communicating clearly with laboratory staff to resolve discrepancies. Staying organized, following standard operating procedures, and utilizing checklists can help manage these challenges and maintain the quality of work.

What is specimen processing?

Specimen processing refers to the preparation, labeling, and organization of biological samples—such as blood, urine, or tissue—collected for laboratory analysis. Professionals in this role receive, verify, and log specimens, ensure they are correctly identified, and prepare them for testing or transport. This process is critical for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring accurate laboratory results. Specimen processors may also handle basic data entry and follow strict safety and quality protocols to prevent contamination.

What skills are needed for specimen processing?

Specimen processing requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of laboratory procedures. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, proper handling and safety protocols, and accuracy in data entry are essential for efficient specimen management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Specimen Processing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Specimen Processing Technician, you need attention to detail, basic laboratory knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), barcode labeling, and specimen handling procedures is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, time management, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen identification, timely processing, and support overall laboratory efficiency and patient safety.

What does specimen processing do?

Specimen processing involves preparing biological samples such as blood, tissue, or fluids for laboratory analysis. This includes tasks like labeling, centrifuging, and storing specimens to ensure accurate testing results, often requiring attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.

What is the difference between Specimen Processing vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen ProcessingLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification often preferredHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification varies by specialty
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, clinicsLaboratories, hospitals, research facilities
Job FocusPreparing and labeling specimens for testingPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining equipment
Common UsageSpecimen handling and preparationConducting laboratory tests and procedures

While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Specimen Processing primarily involves preparing and handling samples for testing, whereas Laboratory Technicians perform the actual testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the healthcare and laboratory industry.

What is the highest paying laboratory job?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Chief Medical Laboratory Scientists tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certifications, and they oversee laboratory operations and compliance, commanding higher compensation than entry-level or technician roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia are:
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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Specimen Processing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Specimen Processing job openings:
Specimen Processing jobs near you
Medical Lab Scientist- VBH-Part time, Nights (7p-7am)

Medical Lab Scientist- VBH-Part time, Nights (7p-7am)

Centra Health

Lynchburg, VA

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Centra Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

566th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) occupies a critical role in clinical diagnostics, ensuring that testing processes from specimen handling to result reporting are conducted with precision and adherence to laboratory protocols. The MLS is responsible for a suite of tasks that support the diagnosis and monitoring of patient health, operating within the scope of authority granted by the laboratory medical director and in line with their professional capabilities. 

Education Minimum:

Bachelor's degree in laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.  MLS certification through U.S. Miliary medical laboratory training programs can substitute for degree, per CLIA regulations.

Education Preferred:

None

Work Experience Minimum:

None

Work Experience Preferred:

None

Licenses & Certification Minimum:

MLS certification with either American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) or obtained withing one year of employment.  Employees meeting CLIA regulations before February 28, 1992, do not require certification.

Licenses & Certification Preferred:

None

Regulatory Compliance and Quality: Employees are obligated to uphold strict compliance with all regulations and standards set by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), and other regulatory bodies. This includes active participation in quality assurance initiatives and adherence to best practices in laboratory testing. Perform duties as assigned by the medical director.  

Compliance: Employees must complete the necessary initial orientation and training, obtain, and maintain relevant certifications, participate annually in mandatory training, competency assessments, and consistently demonstrate satisfactory job-specific performance assessments on on-going basis. 

Specimen Processing and Reporting: Process patient samples efficiently, perform authorized tests, and report results accurately, contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. 

Test Performance: Conduct only authorized tests, ensuring that each task aligns with the MLS's level of education, training, experience, and technical skills. 

Procedure Compliance: Adhere strictly to the laboratory's standard operating procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, and reporting. Maintain comprehensive records of patient test outcomes. 

Quality Control: Implement and document the laboratory's quality control protocols, including instrument calibrations and maintenance, ensuring consistent test accuracy and reliability. 

Proficiency Testing: Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are processed with the same rigor and accuracy as patient samples. 

Corrective Action: Follow established policies for corrective action when test systems deviate from acceptable performance levels. Identify and rectify or report any issues that may impact test performance or results. 

Problem Resolution: Detect and address problems that could negatively affect test performance. Escalate issues to the technical consultant, clinical consultant, or director when necessary. 

Documentation: Keep detailed records of all corrective actions taken when test systems fall outside established specifications. 

Other Duties: Perform any additional duties as assigned or requested, as the job specifications may be modified or updated at any time. 

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