Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) at Quest Diagnostics (2025)

Jackson, Tennessee

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) at Quest Diagnostics (1)

More: Efficiency Discover a team that delivers the quality and speed our patients deserve.

At a glance

Behind every one of the millions of tests we carry out, you’ll find our Specimen Management team. It’s thanks to their care and dedication that patient specimens move through each stage of the testing process in an accurate and timely manner. It’s challenging and meaningful work that will give you the chance to innovate, problem solve, and grow your skills to build a satisfying and rewarding career.

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) at Quest Diagnostics (2)

“When you open the bag, it’s not just a piece of paper. It’s not just tubes that you handle. It’s the patient’s life that you are servicing, and you want to give them the best results.”

- Josephine Mendoza Valdizno, Manager, Specimen Management, Processing

Success profile

What makes a successful candidate? See if you have what it takes.

  • Collaborative
  • Efficient
  • Focused
  • Results-driven
  • Productive
  • Organized

See how your career can grow

The possibilities in Specimen Management are numerous. That means endless opportunities to make your mark on promoting a healthier world. As part of the Specimen Management team, you’ll gain new skills and discover a welcoming workplace that helps you meet your career goals. You’ll also participate in mentoring and professional development programs that take your talents to the next level. It all starts here. Here is just one example of a career path you can take.

Job Details

Category Specimen Processing Location Jackson, Tennessee Job function Operations Job family Specimen Processors

Shift Evening Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) - Jackson, TN - Monday - Friday - 11:30-8:30pm

This positionhas mastered all duties of the Specimen ProcessingTechnician II. Work is highly self-directed, and role may include additional responsibilities such as client communications, internal training and problem solving related to special accounts and compliance. This individual will have completed the necessary training consistent with local business practices for Specimen Processing. Strong proficiency is required in test ordering policy and specimen requirements related to test ordering as well as accuracy and production standards.This positionwill be more involved in complex processing including but not limited to: Microbiology processing, Frozen splits, Sendouts, Cytology processing, irreplaceablespecimens(spinal fluid, bone marrow, etc.); Specialhandling; allergies; serial; pediatric specimens.

Pay Range: $17.87+ per hour

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

• Day 1 Medical/Dental/Vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• 15 PTO days first year
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Variable compensation plan (AIP) bonus
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Blueprint for Wellness
• Tuition Reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate programs for FT employees who work 30+ hours
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Training provided!


  • Demonstrates proficiencyin responsibilitiesof the SPT II and understanding of all job duties and SOP’s related to the Specimen Processing department
  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding available resources to fill in for any function within the Specimen Processing department as necessary
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of how Specimen Processing impacts the testing laboratory
  • Identifies problems and in some cases, may resolve issues with specimen types such as missing information etc.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the compliance policies related to test ordering, which requires developing the ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services
  • Understands the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received
  • Completes all required documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe
  • Meets standards for production and accuracy within 3 months
  • Validates and verifies orders for other employees
  • May assist in training employees in any Specimen Processing job function and may provide ongoing training
  • Adheres to all Quest Diagnostics policies and procedures, including Safety and Compliance
  • Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required WorkExperience:

Internal candidates must have a minimum of 9 months experience and be meeting all performance standards in the SPT II role

Preferred Work Experience:

  • Medical background preferred which includes medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory
  • Previous experience in a production environment preferred

Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Position requires data background with abilities to enter 6,000 alphanumeric keystrokes/hour
  • Works in a biohazard environment, practicing good safety habits
  • Able to sit or stand for long periods
  • Handles multiple tasks simultaneously and works in a production environment

Knowledge:

N/A

Skills:

  • PC skills in MS office applications
  • Communicates effectively with all levels of internal and external staff
  • Maintains composure while working under pressure
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills thatfosters a positive attitude at all times
  • Demonstrates flexibility andis able toadapt to changes in work assignments
  • Demonstrates strong leadership and ability to resolve complex Specimen Processing related questions/issues

EDUCATION
High School Diploma or Equivalent

LICENSECERTIFICATIONS

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies.Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

2024-65949

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) at Quest Diagnostics (3)

Culture

We’ve built a welcoming, inclusive workplace where people are inspired to learn, develop, and progress in their careers. There’s stability, so you can explore many career paths in one field. There’s flexibility, helping you to build a fulfilling life and rewarding career. There’s training and development to align your work with your business success. No wonder there’s more to discover at Quest.

Learn more

Benefits

We’re committed to helping our people live a healthier lifestyle. One way we do this is by offering a comprehensive total rewards package, so you can take care of yourself and the ones you love. Find out how our benefits provide you with everything you need to thrive—now and in the future.

  • Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision

    From medical, dental, and vision coverage plans designed to meet your needs, to supplemental health plans for an additional layer of financial protection, you can rest assured that your health is high on our agenda.

  • Annual incentive plans

    All eligible employees are invited to participate in our success in our annual incentive bonus plan payout.

  • 401(k)

    You’re eligible to join the Quest Diagnostics 401(k) Plan on your date of hire. The company will match up to 5% of your annual salary.

  • Rep, PS I (Phleb) Barceloneta, Puerto Rico 07/03/2024
  • Rep, PS I (Phleb) Puerto Rico 07/03/2024
  • Phlebotomist I Puerto Rico 07/03/2024

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Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) at Quest Diagnostics (4)

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Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.

Lab Assistant (Specimen Technician III) at Quest Diagnostics (2025)

FAQs

What does a specimen technician do at Quest Diagnostics? ›

Job Responsibilities:

Data entry of test orders, presort, pickup and delivery of processed specimens to the laboratory, centrifugation and aliquoting. Process specimens to be sent out to additional facilities. Prepare laboratory specimens for various analysis and testing.

What does a lab assistant do at Quest Diagnostics? ›

Perform specimen receiving, labeling, handling and preparation. Assist with pre-analytical preparation of specimens (e.g., printing labels, uncap/cap specimen tubes, aliquot specimens, prepare racks, worklists, enter/scan specimens and load automated instruments).

What is a specimen technician job description? ›

A specimen technician is responsible for processing various microbiology and toxicology samples. Some samples they may be responsible for include hair, urine, nails, blood and bodily tissues. They may use sophisticated lab equipment, including hotplates, microscopes and cell counters, to perform the necessary tests.

How long do labs take at Quest Diagnostics? ›

Most test results are available within 2-5 days of collection. Yet some complex testing may take 14 days or more. Quest sends completed test results directly to the ordering doctor for review. Results will also be available in your MyQuest account as tests are completed.

What is the difference between a lab technician and a lab technologist? ›

For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. Clinical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.

What is the role of a lab technician in a laboratory? ›

A lab technician is a scientific and technical worker who assists scientists in laboratories. This often involves work with complex systems to help the functioning of scientific processes and projects, to record the results appropriately, and to aid in the routine procedures that take place in a laboratory.

What is the highest salary for a Lab Assistant? ›

Lab Assistant salary in Bangalore / Bengaluru ranges between ₹ 0.8 Lakhs to ₹ 4.8 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 2.8 Lakhs. Salary estimates are based on 297 latest salaries received from Lab Assistants. 0 - 7 years exp.

How do I prepare for a Lab Assistant? ›

Here are four steps you can take to become a lab assistant:
  1. Complete your high school education. Since a lab assistant's work is technical, most hiring managers expect you to have an undergraduate degree. ...
  2. Earn an undergraduate degree. ...
  3. Gain experience through an internship. ...
  4. Apply for jobs.
Jul 24, 2024

Is a Lab Assistant the same as technician? ›

A lab assistant performs administrative and clerical duties such as cleaning and sterilizing equipment, preparing or storing samples for technicians and technologists, and logging data, whereas technicians carry out routine tests and procedures.

What does a lab specimen processor do? ›

Job Summary: The Specimen Processor will be responsible for receiving, processing, and distributing laboratory specimens. This includes preparing specimens for testing, entering data into the laboratory information system, and ensuring that all specimens are handled and stored properly.

What does a specimen specialist do? ›

Job Responsibilities:

Prepare laboratory specimens for analysis and testing. Unpack and route specimens to their respective staging areas. Accurately identify and label specimens. Pack and ship specimens to proper testing facilities.

What does a specimen do? ›

A specimen is a sample of something, like a specimen of blood or body tissue that is taken for medical testing. The noun specimen comes from the Latin word specere, meaning “to look.” Biologists collect specimens so they can get a better look at something to study it.

How long is the hiring process for Quest Diagnostics? ›

Typically, our process takes a few weeks, depending on a variety of factors. For senior-level roles that may include more extensive interview schedules, it can take over a month.

What is the turnaround time for Quest Diagnostics urine test? ›

Negative screening results are often released within 24 hours and non-negative screens are typically released within an additional 24 to 72 hours. Q: Can a urine drug test be beaten or adulterated? A: While it is the most common drug testing method, urine testing is not foolproof.

Can I see my pre-employment drug test results in Quest Diagnostics? ›

Quest will send an email notification as soon as all results are available for review. You can view the results in the MyQuest app or log in to questhealth.com and view the Quest Results page. You can also check the status of your results on the same web page.

What is the role of sample technician? ›

To homogenise and extract test samples provided from field residue study sites under the supervision of Chemists, including the recording and completion of associated GLP documentation. Preparation of laboratory solutions as required. Ensure the laboratory and sample preparation areas are kept clean and orderly.

What is the job description of a specimen collector? ›

What Does a Specimen Collector Do? Specimen collectors collect specimens, such as blood, urine or tissue samples, in medical laboratories. They perform basic data entry tasks, get samples ready for additional laboratory testing and processing, and transport the samples to different facilities.

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