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Specimen Processor Jobs in Lynchburg, VA (NOW HIRING)

Phlebotomist - PRN

Lynchburg, VA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Process billing information and collect payments as necessary * Prepare all collected specimens for testing and analysis * Maintain patient and specimen information logs * Provide superior customer ...

Phlebotomist - PRN

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Process billing information and collect payments as necessary * Prepare all collected specimens for testing and analysis * Maintain patient and specimen information logs * Provide superior customer ...

Specimen Processor information

See Lynchburg, VA salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in Lynchburg, VA is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $17.79 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 job categories do people searching Specimen Processor jobs in Lynchburg, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Specimen Processor jobs in Lynchburg, VA are:

What cities near Lynchburg, VA are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs?

Cities near Lynchburg, VA with the most Specimen Processor job openings:

Infographic showing various Specimen Processor job openings in Lynchburg, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,452 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

MLT-Cancer Center-Farmville/Lynchburg-PRN hours

Centra Health

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$22.42 - $33.62/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 14 days ago


Centra Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

572nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description


The Medical Lab Technician (MLT)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 MLT 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.
Responsibilities
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 MLT'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.
Salary Range: $22.42/hr.-$33.62/hr.
Qualifications
Education Minimum:
Associates degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or equivalent laboratory training and experience per CLIA regulations
Education Preferred:
None
Work Experience Minimum:
None
Work Experience Preferred:
1 year of experience as a MLT in an acute care hospital laboratory setting.
Licenses & Certification Minimum:
MLT certification from American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) or obtained withing one year of employment. Employees meeting CLIA regulations before April 24, 1995, do not require certification.
Licenses & Certification Preferred:
None

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