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Specimen Processor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verifies product and/or test components when processing.

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verifies product and/or test components when processing.

Laboratory Technician Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$17.72 - $30.06/hr

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verifies product and/or test components when processing.

Phlebotomist II

Rockville, MD · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and/or butterfly needles.

Phlebotomist II

Manassas, VA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) in a clear and courteous manner. * Label, centrifuge, split, and freeze specimens as required by test order.

New

Phlebotomist II

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly needles. * Fully understand all ...

Phlebotomist II

Columbia, MD · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection such as urine or fecal in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly needles.

Phlebotomist II

Linthicum, MD · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture or other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and/or butterfly needles. * Fully understand all ...

Phlebotomist I

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and/or butterfly needles. * Fully understand all ...

Phlebotomist II

Lanham, MD · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly needles. * Match laboratory ...

Phlebotomist II

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and/or butterfly needles.

Phlebotomist I

Catonsville, MD · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly needles. * Fully understand all ...

Phlebotomist II

Germantown, MD · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) to patients in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly ...

Phlebotomist II

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Properly explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and/or butterfly needles. * Fully ...

Phlebotomist I

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Explain the process of venipuncture and other specimen collection (e.g., urine or fecal) to patients in a clear and courteous manner. * Demonstrate techniques using straight needles and butterfly ...

Showing results 41-60

Specimen Processor information

See Washington salary details

$15

$20

$25

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in Washington is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a specimen processor?

Specimen processors are healthcare professionals responsible for receiving, sorting, labeling, and preparing biological specimens—such as blood, urine, or tissue samples—for laboratory testing and analysis. They ensure that samples are handled accurately and according to strict protocols to maintain their integrity and prevent contamination. Specimen processors play a crucial role in the diagnostic process by helping ensure that test results are reliable and timely. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or diagnostic laboratories, collaborating closely with laboratory technicians and other medical staff.

What do specimen processors do?

Your duties as a specimen processor, or specimen accessioner, include organizing and cataloging medical specimen sample materials. You typically work in a healthcare laboratory or other clinical setting. Your responsibilities may go beyond receiving and recording patient samples, to storing the samples safely and according to designated processes, and taking any other steps necessary to prepare the samples for analysis by physicians or medical technicians. In some jobs, specimen processors may also collect samples and perform other preparation tasks such as putting blood samples through a centrifuge. These tasks may require additional education and training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a specimen processor?

To thrive as a Specimen Processor, 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. Excellent organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and efficient workflow. These skills are vital for maintaining specimen integrity and supporting accurate laboratory results in a fast-paced environment.

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

Specimen Processors often encounter challenges such as managing high volumes of samples, ensuring accurate labeling, and maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality protocols. Mistakes in processing or labeling can have serious consequences, so attention to detail and effective time management are crucial. Many teams use barcode systems and double-check procedures to minimize errors, and ongoing communication with laboratory staff helps resolve any issues quickly. Being proactive in seeking guidance and staying organized greatly helps new processors adapt and succeed in this fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Specimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectSpecimen ProcessorLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in specimen handlingHigh school diploma or associate degree; often additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, focusing on specimen preparationLaboratory setting, performing tests and analyses
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic facilities
Common Search & ComparisonSpecimen Processor vs Laboratory Technician

While both roles work in laboratory environments, a Specimen Processor primarily handles specimen preparation and labeling, whereas a Laboratory Technician performs testing and analysis. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in Washington?

For Specimen Processor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Specimen Processor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in WA?

For Specimen Processor jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Specimen Processor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,444 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Laboratory Technician Assistant

Fairfax, VA

Inova
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 and Laboratory Technician Assistant 2

We are looking for dedicated Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 and Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 in the Fairfax area to work in children's specialties including Inova Children's Hematology/Oncology. These roles will be full-time, day shift with varying hours from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation. 

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off and paid parental leave. 

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 

Laboratory Technician Assistant 1 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verifies product and/or test components when processing. Manages specimen accessioning accurately/efficiently to provide quality specimens for Laboratory testing. Performs billing/registration procedures accurately and efficiently in order to ensure regulatory compliance. Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with team members to optimize job performance and foster working relationships.

 

Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 

Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 ensures accurate specimen processing to maintain specimen integrity and verify product and/or test components when processing. Manages specimen accessioning accurately and efficiently to provide quality specimens for Laboratory testing and performs proper specimen collection by confirming patient identification, collecting specimens in proper tubes, utilizing venipuncture/capillary techniques and accurately labeling the specimens to ensure accurate patient results. Communicate effectively and work cooperatively with others to optimize job performance and foster working relationships.

Duties and Responsibilities - Laboratory Technician Assistant 1

Adheres to CGMP for processing products, assessing product suitability, component creation, labeling and/or distribution of products; Evaluates specimens for acceptability per policy (i.e. volume, labeling, proper documentation for quality analysis).

Demonstrates proper techniques to provide excellent standards of care such as proper preparation (site selection, order of draw), proper technique following standard precautions and proper disposal of supplies according to facility policy; Demonstrates knowledge of special procedures (i.e. Bleeding Times, Lactic Acid, Legal Alcohol, Glucose Tolerances, etc).

Processes referred tests and/or miscellaneous tests per facility policy; Reviews system pending reports (e.g. WCP, WQS, PLR, PTR, etc.) for reference Laboratory tests and resolves problems.

Prioritize STATs and routine specimens as they arrive in the Laboratory or on pending lists per facility standard operating procedures and handles workload efficiently.

Accurately enters patient demographics into HIS/LIS according to written, oral or faxed prescription; Confirms completeness of prescription (i.e. name, signatures).

Distributes and/or prepares specimens according to special requirements while prioritizing delivery to departments or outsourced Laboratories.

Participate in annual skills review, written evaluation of personal knowledge and direct observation of technique and process prior to evaluation deadline.

Responsible for 24-hour urine container preparation and receipt (i.e. verifies collection technique, total volume and correct preservative as per facility policy).

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities - Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 

  • Assists in educating/training new team members while acting as a preceptor.       

  • Maintains a clean, orderly and well stocked department and notifies appropriate personnel of shortages 

  • Reviews system pending reports (i.e. WCP, WQS, PLR, PTR, etc.) for reference Laboratory tests and resolves problems accordingly     

  • Communicates effectively when performing downtime processes according to facility standard operating procedures (SOP).

  • Prioritize STAT/routine specimens as they arrive in the Laboratory or on pending lists per facility SOP and handles workload efficiently.

  • Evaluates specimen acceptability for testing (i.e. clots/hemolysis) and distributes specimens accordingly while noting special requirements and prioritizing delivery to the department or other Laboratories.

  • Manages specimen accessioning accurately and efficiently to provide quality specimens for Laboratory testing. Accurately labels smears, media plates, centrifuge tubes (urine or otherwise), etc.

  • Responsible for 24-hour urine container preparation/receipt (i.e. verifies collection technique, total volume and correct preservative as per facility policy).

  • May perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements - Laboratory Technician Assistant 1

  • Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Certification: Basic Life Support within 3 months of hire

 

Preferred Qualifications - Laboratory Technician Assistant 1

  • Previous Pediatric Specialists of Virginia (PSV) work experience

  • Phlebotomy experience

  • Work experience

Minimum Requirements - Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 

  • Education: High School diploma or GED equivalent.

  • Experience: 1 Laboratory experience in a clinical laboratory environment or as a phlebotomist

Preferred Qualifications - Laboratory Technician Assistant 2 

  • Previous Pediatric Specialists of Virginia (PSV) work experience

Additional Details:

  • Application deadline: this position will remain posted for 30 days from the original posting date. Applications must be submitted before the posting closes.

  • Tentative employment start date: June 2027

Applicants may be considered for current and future opportunities. 

 We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 25,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 
 

Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.


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