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Specimen Processor information

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$14

$19

$24

How much do specimen processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen processor in Portland, OR is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $19.38 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.

More about Specimen Processor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR? For Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Specimen Processor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Specimen Processor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Specimen Processor job openings:
Specimen Processor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Specimen Processor job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, and 41% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,743 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Specimen Processing Specialist

Specimen Processing Specialist

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for patient care activities in the laboratory by

performing data entry, billing, client services, sample processing, resulting, filing, and laboratory procedures.

The major duty is to prepare patient specimens for laboratory testing, which includes determining specimen

acceptability, answering telephone inquires, and multi-tasking while working quickly and accurately. The

person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude which

will best serve the clients of the department, OHSU, and outside the organization.


Specimen receipt and processing

  • Loads specimens onto automation line for processing.
  • Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers.
  • Accurately measures specimens, records volumes, and determines if sample quality and quantity is sufficient for testing.
  • Directs samples to technologists and testing areas either manually or using the automation lines, or stores samples for future testing.
  • Makes slides for staining.
  • Notifies technologists or appropriate lab when priority work is received.
  • Determines acceptability of specimens received and calls ward or physician to clarify orders or advise of unacceptable samples.

Performs data entry for samples received for testing 

  • Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions, labels.
  • Performs computer entry in Epic HIS system.
  • Handles and processes samples for many labs on and off campus.
  • Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers.
  • Is responsible to see that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner.

Coordinates and prepares samples to be shipped to outside labs for patient care and drug study testing

  • Enters test requests into dedicated referral lab computer.
  • Fills out paperwork carefully and thoroughly to ensure accurate testing.
  • Packs infectious shipping samples per IATA standards.
  • Utilizes electronic systems provided by referral labs to transmit orders.

Other Duties as Assigned


  • High school diploma and at least two years of college lab science courses, plus one year of college math or computer courses OR

  • High school diploma and two years of clinical lab experience OR

  • High school diploma and successful completion of a Lab Assistant Training program including clinical lab experience.


  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two years in a clinical laboratory including sample receipt, sample processing, customer service, multi-line phone use.
  • Training or experience demonstrating proficiency with healthcare/lab information systems.

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends

and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by

stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation;

working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective

Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature fluctuations in building.


We are Oregon's only public academic health center.
In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome.
OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.
To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

What Oregon Health & Science University employees say

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887

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