Pre-Analytical Operations Technician

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

At Primex Clinical Laboratories, we're dedicated to enhancing health with precision and passion. Since 1996, our presence in clinical diagnostics has been unwavering, serving clients across Central and Southern California, Nevada, and American Samoa. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized service and high-quality testing with quick, accurate results.

Role Summary

The Overnight Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician plays a crucial role in a clinical laboratory by handling and preparing patient specimens for testing during the night shift. This position is responsible for after-hours operations such as answering late-night phone calls, accessioning and processing specimens, and resolving any specimen issues to maintain workflow continuity. Working primarily in the pre-analytical phase of testing, the technician ensures that all samples are correctly identified, documented, and made ready for analysis by the technical team.

This is an mid afternoon to overnight role, making the ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented professional who can work independently with minimal supervision while upholding the laboratory’s quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Specimen Receipt & Accessioning: Receive incoming specimens (e.g. blood, urine, other clinical samples) during overnight hours and verify all identifying information. Accession each specimen by accurately entering patient data and test orders into the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring that samples are logged correctly for processing.
• Sample Processing & Aliquoting: Perform pre-analytical processing of specimens, including centrifugation and aliquoting (sample splitting) as required. Sort and distribute specimens to the appropriate laboratory departments or storage areas, preparing them for analysis according to standard protocol.
• Problem Specimen Resolution: Review and troubleshoot problem specimens or requisition issues that arise during the night. Identify samples that are unlabeled, mislabeled, or have missing information and take corrective action or escalate as necessary. Document and resolve these specimen discrepancies to prevent testing error.
• After-Hours Communication: Serve as the primary laboratory contact during the overnight shift. Answer after-hour phone calls promptly and professionally, addressing inquiries from healthcare providers or laboratory employees and providing needed information or support. This includes coordinating with on-call personnel if urgent issues or critical values need attention.
• Data Entry & Record Keeping: Maintain accurate data entry and documentation for all specimens processed during the shift. Ensure that patient information, test requests, and any updates or corrections are entered into the LIS or tracking logs with a high degree of accuracy. Protect patient confidentiality and follow data entry protocols to avoid transcription errors.
• Quality & Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety guidelines and standard operating procedures. Handle biohazardous materials using proper protective equipment and techniques, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g. HIPAA, OSHA) during specimen handling and data management Maintain an organized and clean work area, and prepare the laboratory for the next shift by securing specimens or equipment as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in specimen handling, processing, and data entry within a clinical laboratory environment.

• Strong attention to detail with ability to resolve specimen discrepancies and maintain accurate records.

• Effective communicator, able to manage after-hours calls and coordinate with clinical staff.

• Dependable, flexible, and capable of working independently during mid-afternoon to overnight shifts.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and regulatory compliance (HIPAA, OSHA).

Additional Requirements

• Shift coverage includes 9 pm - 5:30 am and may require occasional weekend availability at Primex HQ and main lab in Van Nuys, CA.
• Must be highly reliable, courteous, and team-oriented.
• Strong adaptability to changing priorities and workflow.

Primex Clinical Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.