Specimen Processor

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC is seeking a full-time laboratory support professional in Altoona, PA to join a busy clinical lab. Work 40 hours per week on dayshift with rotation as needed; holidays and weekends may be required.

Responsibilities include specimen handling, safety compliance, processing, delivery to testing areas, and excellent customer service to patients and staff. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and 3–6 months of relevant clinical lab experience; training as a Medical Assistant or Medical

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 3 to 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory, physician's office, or other medical environment preferred.
• Training as a Medical Assistant or Medical Secretary preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information systems experience preferred.
• Good oral and written communications skills required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers (as well as co-workers) both by telephone and in person.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the orientation and training of new laboratory employees and students.
• Follows all regulations regarding health and safety concerning the handling of Biohazard or Sharps patient samples and the disinfection of the work area.
• Observes all laboratory and hospital safety, infection control and compliance regulations and policies.
• Notifies supervisor of problems and of any requests that need credited or clarified.
• Completes quality forms for unacceptable specimens, for requesting errors, or for other problems.
• Effectively handles any complaints or reports of problems.
• Prepares, packages and sends specimens to outside locations as needed.
• Promptly delivers specimens to the respective testing areas.
• Meas ures, aliquots, and distributes urine samples when needed.
• Separates serum and plasma from red blood cells by centrifugation.
• Ensures adequacy of patient identification / labeling as well as sample type and stability.
• Determines and enters the correct specimen collection and receive time into the computer where needed.
• Verifies patient specimens with requisitions, bar codes or labels.
• Receives, sorts and prioritizes all specimens according to laboratory policies.
• Monitors pneumatic tube and / or courier sample deliveries to ensure timely processing of specimens.
• Uses good customer service and conversation etiquette while answering the telephone.
• Interacts courteously and professionally with all customers and laboratory staff.
• Shows initiative and offers assistance in the completion of the department's work.

Skills

Communication skills

Medical terminology

Customer service

Interpersonal communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Medical Assistant training (preferred)

Tools

Laboratory information systems

Job description

Fulltime 40 hours a week - Dayshift - 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 / 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with rotation as needed - Holiday/Weekend rotation

AFSCME union

Posted: August 6, 2026

Responsibilities:

• Participates in the orientation and training of new laboratory employees and students. Performs related clerical duties as directed.
• Follows all regulations regarding health and safety concerning the handling of Biohazard or Sharps patient samples and the disinfection of the work area. Uses the utmost care to prevent personal exposure and avoid environmental contamination.
• Observes all laboratory and hospital safety, infection control and compliance regulations and policies.
• Notifies supervisor of problems and of any requests that need credited or clarified. Requests assistance when needed.
• Completes quality forms for unacceptable specimens, for requesting errors, or for other problems.
• Effectively handles any complaints or reports of problems. Investigates and resolves any requesting mistakes or other specimen problems.
• Prepares, packages and sends specimens to outside locations as needed
• Promptly delivers specimens to the respective testing areas.
• Measures, aliquots, and distributes urine samples when needed.
• Separates serum and plasma from red blood cells by centrifugation. Labels aliquot tubes and transfers serum or plasma according to policy. Stores samples at the appropriate temperature. Shares specimens interdepartmentally as necessary.
• Ensures adequacy of patient identification / labeling as well as sample type and stability.
• Determines and enters the correct specimen collection and receive time into the computer where needed.
• Verifies patient specimens such as blood, urine and other body fluids with any requisitions, bar codes or labels making certain that information on the specimens match any paperwork received, and that all submissions are appropriate for the work requested.
• Receives, sorts and prioritizes all specimens according to laboratory policies.
• Monitors pneumatic tube and / or courier sample deliveries to ensure timely processing of specimens.
• Uses good customer service and conversation etiquette while answering the telephone. Responds professionally to inquiries concerning proper specimen collection, patient results, normal values, and basic laboratory operations information as needed. Transfers calls to appropriate parties when appropriate.
• Interacts courteously and professionally with all customers and laboratory staff.
• Shows initiative and offers assistance in the completion of the department's work.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• 3 to 6 months of experience in a clinical laboratory, physician's office, or other medical environment preferred.
• Training as a Medical Assistant or Medical Secretary preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information systems experience preferred.
• Good oral and written communications skills required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers (as well as co-workers) both by telephone and in person.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran