1

Specimen Processor Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Specimen Processor information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in Austin, TX is $17.85, 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 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 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 specimen processors?

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

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 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 Austin, TX? The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX? For Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processor jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Specimen Processor job openings:
Specimen Processor I

Specimen Processor I

Creative Testing Solutions

San Marcos, TX • On-site

$15 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Creative Testing Solutions rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Job Description Summary
The Plasma Testing Laboratory Specimen Processor is responsible for performing duties relating to sample receipt, sample accessioning and sample processing in a high-volume setting with a high degree of proficiency, all while providing appropriate documentation following CLIA, FDA, EMA regulatory requirements in a GMP environment.
Job Description
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to Specimen Processor levels I, II, and III:
  • Adheres to the laboratory's quality and safety standards maintaining quality control and assurance, as well as ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies.
  • Follows cGMP for documentation using ALCOA; ensure regulations pertaining to records, reports and data integrity policies are met.
  • Receive and process incoming samples in preparation of testing following standard operating procedures (SOPs) as directed by regulatory guidelines. Including processing sample cancellations, sample resubmissions and completing sample reconciliation as dictated by workflow.
  • Performs sample centrifugation and sample suitability checks utilizing proper sample handling techniques to ensure validity of test results.
  • Performs equipment maintenance according to established schedules and procedures and maintains associated logs to ensure minimal equipment downtime.
  • Maintains general cleanliness of department work areas and other laboratory common areas as needed to ensure a clean, safe and professional environment. Accountable for department appearance and organization.
  • Disinfects work areas and empty biohazardous waste.
  • Works as a member of a team responsible for completing the Plasma Testing Laboratory daily workload.
  • Works efficiently to consistently complete heavy workloads while maintaining all quality and safety standards.
  • Maintains donor confidence and protects the company by keeping information confidential.
  • Performs all other duties, at the discretion of management, as assigned.
  • Works periodic over-time, holidays, or weekends as needed.

Additional duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to Specimen Processor levels II and III:
  • Accurately identifies problems that may adversely affect equipment, software, or process performance and assist with troubleshooting. Escalates problems/delays appropriately.
  • Maintains technical knowledge of complex automated equipment and manual processes to resolve errors and/or inconsistencies.
  • Investigates issues related to sample receipt, cancellation, resubmission, and pending test requests with minimal supervision.
  • Performs equipment re-qualifications and/or verifications.
  • Performs operations review of source documentation as needed.

Additional duties and responsibilities regularly performed by and assigned to Specimen Processor level IIIs:
  • Conducts employee training when applicable while ensuring training qualifications are current and accurate.
  • Assists the Supervisor and Lead with managing daily workload and providing overall direction of workflow as needed.
  • Reviews equipment service reports and accurately identifies the appropriate re-qualification steps to be performed.
  • Serves as a resource for corrections and clarification.
  • As appropriately delegated by laboratory leadership:
    • Analyzes, prioritizes and resolves complex equipment problems. Investigates deviations in equipment operations and preventative maintenance.
    • Recommends and implements corrective actions.
    • Assists with competency documentation, records review, and records management.
    • Aids new processes/instrumentation implementation by executing validations.
  • Escalates applicable issues to vendors and ensures appropriate follow-up and resolution.
  • Provides mentorship and guidance to newer staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Additional Specimen Processor Level II Qualifications:
    • Must possess at least 1.5 years of Specimen Processor experience.
    • Must possess demonstrated laboratory knowledge and competency in laboratory SOPs and policies to perform job responsibilities defined for the level.
  • Additional Specimen Processor Level III Qualifications:
    • Must possess at least 3 years of Specimen Processor experience.
    • Must possess demonstrated advanced laboratory knowledge and competency in laboratory SOPs and policies to perform job responsibilities defined for the level.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Must be able to speak, read and write in English. Writing must be legible and neat.
  • Must have basic math and computer skills, effective phone and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to apply rational thinking and understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written and oral instructions.
  • Must pay attention to detail, have strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.
  • Must possess the ability to deal with problems within the guidelines of standard operating procedures.

PHYSICAL & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
  • Lab work environment: Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms. Exposure to extreme cold ( ≤ -20°C), miscellaneous production chemicals, moving machinery and production equipment. Exposure to high levels of noise on the production floor. Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
  • 5+ hours per shift: Sitting, standing, handling. finger dexterity, pinching
  • 3- 5 hours per shift: Lifting to 30 pounds
  • Up to 3 hours per shift: Walking, climbing, bending, squatting, reaching above shoulders, reaching waist to shoulder, reaching knee to waist, reaching floor to knee, grasping items, pushing/pulling pallets, carrying/move items up to 40 pounds
  • Travel:<5%

INTERNAL ADVANCEMENT STATEMENT
In order to be considered for advancement to the next specimen processor level, employees must possess the required qualifications, skills, and abilities as stated in the job description AND regularly demonstrate the qualities and behaviors commensurate with our CTS mission, vision, and values.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. The job description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not necessarily be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job. Creative Testing Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Additional Job Details:
Available shifts:
Shift 1 Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm (no shift differential)
Shift 2 Sunday-Thursday 2:00pm-10:30pm (12% shift differential)
Shift 3 Sunday - Thursday 10:00pm - 6:30am (20% shift differential).
Creative Testing Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.
EEO/Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to accommodation@mycts.org to let us know the nature of your request. A representative will respond to accommodation requests within two business days. Please note that this email/phone number is for medical/disability accommodations only and any other inquiries will not receive a response.
Please see the below information about applicant rights and our commitment to compliance:
EEO is the Law
EEO is the Law Supplement
Pay Transparency
e-Verify
All candidates who receive a conditional written offer of employment will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test in accordance with the Company's established guidelines.

What Creative Testing Solutions employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom