Specimen Processor

United WestLabs; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

United WestLabs is seeking a detail-oriented Specimen Processor to join our laboratory operations. The role focuses on accurate receipt, verification, processing, and routing of patient specimens while maintaining quality and patient safety.

The ideal candidate will manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with healthcare providers and patients, and support an efficient laboratory workflow in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with data entry in a clinical or laboratory setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in paperwork and records.
• Strong communication skills for internal and external customers.
• Commitment to patient safety and quality service.

Responsibilities

• Process specimen requisitions accurately, entering billing and test orders into systems.
• Verify specimens match physician orders and ensure correct labeling and testing requirements.
• Prioritize STAT and time-sensitive specimens to support timely patient care.
• Print, organize, and distribute patient charts and related documentation.
• Provide courteous, professional, and timely assistance to customers and colleagues.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and handle specimens and biohazardous materials per policy.
• Follow laboratory quality assurance, confidentiality, safety, and PPE guidelines.
• Support billing by organizing requisitions as needed.
• Perform courier duties and specimen transportation when assigned.
• Deliver supplies and documentation to designated locations.
• Obtain and verify additional patient/provider information as needed.
• Collaborate with lab staff to ensure efficient workflow and service.
• Take on other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Data entry

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Job description

Hours: 2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Hours: 2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. / 3:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Position Summary

United WestLabsis seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Specimen Processor to join our laboratory operations team. The Specimen Processor plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely receipt, verification, processing, and routing of patient specimens for laboratory testing. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong data entry skills, the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, patient safety, and customer service.

The ideal candidate is dependable, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to supporting healthcare providers, patients, and laboratory personnel through exceptional service and teamwork.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Accurately and efficiently process specimen requisitions, ensuring all patient information, billing information, and test orders are complete and correctly entered into laboratory systems.
• Verify that specimens received correspond with physician orders and ensure all specimens are properly labeled and matched to the appropriate testing requirements in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Prioritize and process STAT and time-sensitive specimens promptly to support timely patient care and laboratory turnaround times.
• Print, organize, and distribute patient charts and related documentation as requested.
• Provide courteous, professional, and timely assistance to internal and external customers by responding to inquiries and communicating accurate information.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by properly handling, collecting, transporting, and disposing of specimens and biohazardous materials in accordance with laboratory policies, infection control standards, and applicable safety regulations.
• Adhere to all laboratory quality assurance, confidentiality, safety, and compliance requirements, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Additional Responsibilities

• Support billing operations by separating, organizing, and processing requisitions as required.
• Perform courier duties and specimen transportation activities when assigned.
• Deliver laboratory supplies, materials, and documentation to designated locations as needed.
• Obtain and verify additional patient, provider, or specimen information when necessary to facilitate accurate processing.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and other departments to ensure efficient workflow and exceptional service.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Laboratory Operations and Processing Management.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8 hours per day.
• Frequent use of both hands for grasping, handling, and manipulating specimens and laboratory materials.
• Continuous fine motor skills, repetitive hand movements, and keyboard use.
• Frequent data entry and computer work.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment with exposure to biological specimens and biohazardous materials while utilizing appropriate protective equipment.

The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. United WestLabs reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities as business needs require.