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Specimen Processing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Riverside

Lab Support Tech

Gloucester, VA

The Laboratory Support Tech III receives, labels, performs advanced specimen processing, and distributes specimens to the appropriate work area in preparation for laboratory analysis. This position ...

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How much do specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia? For Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processing jobs in Virginia are:
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
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 7% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,154 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Lab Support Tech

Lab Support Tech

Riverside

Gloucester, VA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Gloucester, Virginia
Overview
Works under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor/ Manager/Director depending on the facility organizational chart. This position performs routine and special laboratory specimen collections, handling and distributions according to established protocols and standard operating procedures assuring collection of the appropriate specimen in correct container with appropriate labeling. The position is also responsible for explaining specimen collection procedures and instructions to patients, nurses, physicians, etc. The Laboratory Support Tech III may also be responsible for performing patient EKG's, traveling to other patient off-sight locations to collect blood and transporting of specimens back to the lab depending on work site assignment. The Laboratory Support Tech III must maintain patient confidentiality and properly identify patients according to guidelines set forth by the facility (i.e. Patient Safety Goals). This position is responsible for maintaining proper inventory in the department and for keeping appropriate stock levels in collection basket. The Laboratory Support Tech III receives, labels, performs advanced specimen processing, and distributes specimens to the appropriate work area in preparation for laboratory analysis. This position registers patients into the information systems and orders the appropriate tests as requested by the provider. The Laboratory Support Tech III is also responsible for printing, monitoring, and distributing patient reports to proper locations if this function is performed at the facility. The Laboratory Support Tech III is required to follow all quality control and quality assurance guidelines established in the department to include accurate performance of job duties with proper documentation. The Laboratory Support Tech III is responsible for effective intradepartmental and interdepartmental communications to include such items as shift-to-shift "hand off", pending collection inquiries resolutions, etc. The position helps to maintain a constant state of readiness in the department to meet all Standards for accreditation from College of American Pathologist (CAP), DNV, State, OSHA, CLIA, etc. The Laboratory Support Tech III assists in the training of new and existing personnel as well as students.
What you will do
  • Demonstrates accuracy in laboratory specimen collection, specimen processing and handling based on orders including collection requirements, containers, volumes, techniques, scheduling, preservatives, patient instructions, distribution. Performance of job duties accurately and timely to ensure quality patient care.
  • Maintains a safe environment by complying with RHS policies/procedures/regulatory requirements that support the National Patient Safety Goals and Quality Initiatives. Performs patient identification and labeling functions accurately according to policy and standard operating procedures. Recognizes and reports variances and provides resolutions. Uses appropriate protective equipment, body mechanics and follows safety guidelines and procedures; identifies and acts to resolve variances or suspected non-compliance reporting to management.
  • Collaborates with providers, office staff, nurses, care givers and other team members involved in the care of the patient to provide for the specialized needs of the patient.
  • Demonstrates compliance with department Quality Management Program, regulatory agency requirements, standard operating procedures to maintain accreditation with College of American Pathologists, DNV, CLIA, and other governmental and accrediting agency standards. Duties may include but are not limited to: preventative maintenance, quality control, verifications, audits, procedure reviews and demonstration of procedure knowledge, assistance with updates.
  • Demonstrates compliance with laboratory QA/QI program.

Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED, (Preferred)

Experience
  • 1 year Direct patient care with phlebotomy or specimen processing experience (Required)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) - The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • CPT - National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT) - National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC) - American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) - National Performance Specialists (NPS) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) - American Medical Technologists(AMT) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) - American Allied Health (AAH) Upon Hire(Required) or
  • Phlebotomy Technician (PT) - National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Upon Hire(Required)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.

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