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Specimen Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specimen Processing Specialist

Portland, OR · On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Function/Duties of Position Specimen receipt and processing * Loads specimens onto automation line for processing. * Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers.

Specimen Processing Specialist - Accessioning Position Summary... Join a company where you can make a difference from day one and help make the world a better and safer place. ARL Bio Pharma provides ...

LabCorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Management team in Springdale, AR Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM: additional hours as needed Job ...

LabCorp is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join their Specimen Management team in Springdale, AR Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM: additional hours as needed Job ...

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Specimen Specialist information

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How much do specimen specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for specimen specialist in the United States is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Specimen Specialist, you need knowledge of laboratory procedures, specimen collection protocols, and familiarity with medical terminology, often supported by a background in biology or a related field. Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), barcode scanners, and adherence to safety certifications such as OSHA or HIPAA are commonly expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with lab personnel and healthcare providers are important soft skills. These competencies are critical to ensure the accurate processing and tracking of specimens, maintain sample integrity, and support timely diagnostic testing.

What does a specimen specialist do?

A typical day for a Specimen Specialist involves receiving, labeling, and preparing biological specimens for analysis while carefully following quality and safety protocols. You may spend time entering data into laboratory information systems, coordinating with medical couriers, and communicating with laboratory technicians to clarify orders or resolve discrepancies. The role often requires standing for long periods and working in environments where attention to cleanliness is essential. Teamwork is a big part of the job, as you'll regularly interact with lab personnel and healthcare staff to ensure samples are processed efficiently and accurately.

What is a specimen specialist?

A Specimen Specialist is responsible for collecting, processing, and handling biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue, for laboratory testing. They ensure samples are properly labeled, stored, and transported according to strict protocols to maintain integrity. This role often requires attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and adherence to safety regulations. Specimen Specialists commonly work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, or research facilities to support accurate and timely test results.

More about Specimen Specialist jobs
Infographic showing various Specimen Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,498 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Specimen Processing Specialist

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$17.50 - $20.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
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.
Function/Duties of Position
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
Required Qualifications
  • 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
Training or experience demonstrating:
  • Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques;
  • Knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, and materials;
  • Knowledge of basic math;
  • Ability to follow formulas accurately;
  • Ability to handle, package, and store laboratory specimens and materials;
  • Ability to operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment;
  • Ability to learn routine testing methods, procedures, and techniques;
  • Ability to keep accurate records in conformance with laboratory procedures; and
  • Ability to follow written and verbal procedures (instructions).
Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.

Additional Details
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.
Why apply to OHSU?
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

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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