Accessioning Lab Technician

Location: Modesto, CA
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Employment Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician – Accessioning to support daily specimen processing and accessioning operations in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment. This position is responsible for receiving, organizing, accessioning, verifying, and processing patient specimens while ensuring that all documentation and test orders are complete and accurate.

The Laboratory Technician works closely with multiple laboratory disciplines, including Histology, Cytology, Molecular, Pathology, and Analytical Laboratory teams, to ensure specimens are processed and routed appropriately.

The ideal candidate will have excellent attention to detail, strong data-entry and organizational skills, knowledge of basic biology and medical terminology, and the ability to troubleshoot specimen or documentation issues while maintaining a strong focus on quality and patient safety.

Job Responsibilities

• Receive, organize, sort, accession, and process patient specimens.
• Perform accurate and timely data entry for incoming specimens and test orders.
• Verify specimen documentation, labeling, patient information, and testing requirements.
• Log specimens accurately into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Complete required written and electronic documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Review incoming specimens for proper identification, labeling, and processing requirements.
• Investigate and troubleshoot problematic or incomplete cases requiring correction or additional verification.
• Follow up on outstanding specimen verifications and communicate with appropriate teams to ensure timely resolution.
• Triage appropriate cases to Pathology Assistant and Cytology teams.
• Complete case assignment reports for pathologists.
• Perform specimen filing and prepare materials for appropriate disposal.
• Perform reagent rotation and disposal activities associated with tissue processors.
• Prepare bone marrow aspirate smears as required.
• Maintain department inventory and ensure adequate stocking of supplies, requisitions, and send-out kits.
• Coordinate specimen and material returns when necessary.
• Support specimen verification requirements for Cytology, Molecular, and Histology testing.
• Assist with pre-accessioning and verification of specimen, insurance, and additional testing information.
• Prioritize workload while maintaining a high level of accuracy and quality in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.
• Follow established laboratory safety procedures and good laboratory practices.
• Properly handle chemicals, patient specimens, and biohazardous materials.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with laboratory personnel and other departments.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Knowledge & Experience

• Basic knowledge of biology and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of appropriate handling procedures for chemicals and biohazardous materials.
• General understanding of good laboratory practices.
• Familiarity with aseptic techniques.
• Ability to accurately process and document detailed information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical laboratory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate Degree in a science-related or healthcare field.
• 1–3 years of experience in a clinical setting.
• Previous clinical laboratory or specimen accessioning experience.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS).
• Experience with specimen receipt, accessioning, pre-accessioning, and verification.
• Familiarity with Histology, Cytology, and Molecular laboratory workflows.
• Experience processing or preparing specimens for additional or send-out testing.
• Experience preparing bone marrow aspirate smears.
• Knowledge of specimen labeling and documentation requirements.
• Previous experience working in a high-volume, data-driven laboratory environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong data-entry and documentation skills.
• Basic knowledge of biology and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of specimen processing and accessioning procedures.
• Ability to identify specimen or documentation discrepancies.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing tasks while maintaining quality.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work independently as well as within small or large teams.
• Ability to remain focused and accurate in a high-pressure environment.
• Understanding of good laboratory practices and aseptic technique.
• Commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and quality.