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Specimen Processing Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems ...

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Specimen Processing information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processing in Decatur, IL is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.74 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?

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 job categories do people searching Specimen Processing jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processing jobs in Decatur, IL are:
Infographic showing various Specimen Processing job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,350 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

$26.56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Memorial Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

452nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Min
USD $17.14/Hr.
Max
USD $26.56/Hr.
Overview
Registers, orders, labels specimens with appropriate barcode labels and receives all lab specimens arriving at MMC Lab for both inpatient, outpatient, and outreach services. Evaluates specimen received verses testing ordered and confirms specimen collection was accurate and specimens are labeled with appropriate patient identifiers. Recognizes critical "stat" specimens compared to routine testing. Understands all aspects of lab safety regarding specimen handling and processing. Ensures patient demographic, insurance and diagnosis information is correctly entered into MMC registration systems to ensure billing ins accurate and results are provided to the ordering provider. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values.
Qualifications
Education:
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Licensure/Certification/Registry:

Experience:

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong organizational skills.
• Basic communication skills required.
• Knowledge of insurance policy numbers and diagnosis coding definitions helpful.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology.
• Knowledge of laboratory test codes and testing requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to type and use a keypad.
• Moderate physical effort.
Responsibilities
  1. Interprets, orders, and generates barcode labels from the Lab LIS system and applies labels to appropriate specimen tubes and collection containers. Must be able to interpret many different physician orders and requests to include over 1800 lab tests and select the appropriate orderable code in the Lab LIS system.
  1. Removes biological specimens from biohazard bags including blood, urine, bone marrow, body fluids, and tissue specimens. Understand all different types of collection media, preservatives, and risks of exposure to infectious agents. Handles both infectious A and B substances with appropriate CDC, and IDPH guidelines. Ability to determine if specimen was collected in appropriate collection container and media. Understands steps to resolve collection issues to ensure patient testing is performed or recollected.
  1. Receives all calls arriving in the laboratory from providers, clients, nurses, management, and patients. Logs calls in tracking software, answers all questions pertaining to phlebotomy draws, specimen collection, transport of specimens, provides lab results, supply requests, forensic autopsy cases, and administrative questions. Escalates callers to management or technical departments when necessary if unable to resolve all question
  1. Correctly enters outpatient and non-patient demographic, insurance, and diagnosis information into the hospital registration system, answering all questions in each field and updating any information that is not current. Understands insurance policy numbers and carrier codes including client account versus patient insurance billing. Recognizes valid diagnosis codes and follows appropriate resolution on any noncompliant codes.
  1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:
  • SAFETY: Prevent Harm - I put safety first in everything I do. I take action to ensure the safety of others.
  • COURTESY: Serve Others - I treat others with dignity and respect. I project a professional image and positive attitude.
  • QUALITY: Improve Outcomes - I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance. I work with others to achieve superior results.
  • EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste - I use time and resources wisely. I prevent defects and delays.
  1. Monitors the printing of physician reports for inpatients and outpatients. Separates lab reports for delivery to the correct ordering provider or client site to ensure providers receive lab results in a timely manner.
  1. Communicates requests for specimen collection to phlebotomists in a timely and appropriate manner. Works closely with phlebotomy staff and managers to organize and facilitate inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy requests.
  1. Inputs all faxed orders into the lab orders database, questioning any illegible order, calls physician's office with clarification of test order and patient demographics and order request (standing or one time). Follows all instructions on provider order including, add on testing and testing cancelations. Understands how to handle a verbal order request from a provider and documents correctly.
  1. Schedules all fine needle aspirates and biopsies as requested by clinicians, ensures a pathologist is dispatched when clinician is ready to perform procedure.
  1. Processes all slide and block requests for internal and external consultations, including preparing appropriate paperwork, requesting material, pathologist review and sign off, shipping, and material returns.
  1. Assists with the preparation of slides and blocks for sendout testing.
  1. Contribute to departmental operations by performing other related duties as may be required and/or assigned.
  2. Monitors the laboratory computer system operations menu to ensure all operations are running and respond to the appropriate prompts to print daily reports. Notify appropriate computer operations staff concerning exceptions.
  1. Maintains and scans patient records according to government regulations and accreditation guidelines.
  1. Ensures that professional and personal activities conform to Memorial Medical Center strategic plan and philosophy regarding the Guest Relation Program.
  1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

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