Laboratory Receiving & Specimen Processing Technician (Full-Time)

Laboratory Receiving & Specimen Processing Technician (Specimen Accessioning / Lab Support) Pay $17- $20/hr Monday through Friday 9am-1pm Part-Time Employee (20-25hrs) Laboratory Located in Melrose Park, IL Job Summary: The Laboratory Receiving & Specimen Processing Technician is responsible for the accurate receipt, accessioning, processing, and distribution of patient specimens within a clinical laboratory. This role is critical to ensuring specimen integrity, proper test routing, and timely laboratory turnaround times while maintaining compliance with CLIA, laboratory SOPs, and quality standards. Responsibilities: Specimen Receiving & Accessioning Receive, verify, and log incoming specimens from couriers, phlebotomy teams, and client sites Confirm patient identifiers, specimen type, collection date/time, and test orders Accession specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) accurately and efficiently Identify and resolve discrepancies such as missing information, improper labeling, or unacceptable specimens Specimen Processing Centrifuge, aliquot, label, and prepare specimens according to test requirements and SOPs Sort and route specimens to appropriate laboratory departments or reference labs Package specimens for send-out testing following transport and biohazard regulations Maintain specimen storage conditions (refrigerated, frozen, ambient) as required Quality & Compliance Follow CLIA, OSHA, HIPAA, and laboratory safety standards at all times Document specimen rejections, problem samples, and corrective actions Maintain accurate logs for temperature checks, centrifuge use, and specimen tracking Participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives as needed Communication & Coordination Communicate effectively with phlebotomy staff, couriers, technical staff, and supervisors Escalate urgent or STAT specimens appropriately Assist in resolving specimen issues with client sites or internal teams General Laboratory Support Maintain a clean and organized accessioning and processing area Stock supplies and notify leadership of low inventory Assist with downtime procedures when LIS systems are unavailable Perform other laboratory support duties as assigned Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent (required) Experience in a clinical laboratory, specimen processing, or healthcare environment (preferred) Basic computer skills; experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) preferred Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to follow written SOPs and regulatory requirements Preferred Qualifications: Prior specimen accessioning or processing experience Knowledge of specimen handling requirements (chemistry, hematology, coagulation, microbiology, send-outs) Experience in high-volume or multi-site laboratory environments Phlebotomy or laboratory assistant certification (preferred but not required) Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods Frequent walking, bending, and reaching Ability to lift up to 30 lbs Manual dexterity for handling small tubes and labels #J-18808-Ljbffr