Alert: Scammers may offer fake Quest jobs using LinkedIn and other platforms. Click here to learn more.
Skip to main content
Search jobs

Specimen Technician I

Wood Dale, Illinois

Apply now
doctor holding a test tube
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.

“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.

Icon Icon
  • Specimen Management Technician Specimen Management Technician
  • Sr. Specimen Management Technician Sr. Specimen Management Technician
  • Specimen Management Group Lead or Trainer Specimen Management Group Lead or Trainer
  • Specimen Management Supervisor Specimen Management Supervisor
  • Additional Advancement Opportunities Additional Advancement Opportunities

Job Details

Category Specimen Processing Location Wood Dale, Illinois Job function Operations Job family Specimen Processors
Shift Night Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site
This position is responsible for general support functions within the Specimen Processing Department. This position requires passing a data entry assessment. Functions performed may include but are not limited to data entry of test orders, presort, pickup and delivery of processed specimens to the laboratory, centrifugation and aliquoting. Department is a production environment, with emphasis on productivity/quality standards and departmental completion times.  All functions must be performed with confidence, accuracy, and in a timely manner. Job is complex and requires that the employee have good organization skills and the ability to learn and understand specimen types related to test(s) ordered by clients. The position must have to the ability learn and understand the compliance regulations related to test ordering which may change on a daily basis. This position is critical to quality for customer satisfaction. Additionally, since many changes do occur from day to day, great flexibility on the part of this position is required. Majority of position work, on the nightshift, but based on staffing needs weekends, holidays, on-call and overtime is a requirement. 
  • Able to perform all responsibilities of the Specimen Preparation Assistant 
  • Demonstrates an ability to learn the job duties assigned to the SPT I, and develops an understanding of how all the functions in Specimen Processing fit together 
  • 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 ability to research test ordering information on translation tables, computer system, and the directory of services 
  • Meets standards for production and accuracy within 6 months 
  • Understands the complex relationship between test(s) ordered and specimen received 
  • Completes all required written documentation, legibly and within the assigned timeframe 
  • Meets or exceeds all performance expectations to include attendance, adherence to work schedule and demonstrates Quest values and behaviors through work performance and peer and team interaction 
  • Is open to learning additional functions within Specimen Processing to allow timely progression to the next level 
  • Performs other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Work Experience:  

N/A

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:  

  • Communicates effectively with all levels of staff 
  • Maintains composure while working under pressure 
  • Reflects good judgment at all times when determining what action to take when resolving problems 
  • Adheres to Quest Diagnostics core values, safety and compliance policies and procedures 
  • Keeps work area neat and clean 
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment. 
  • Demonstrates flexibility and ability to adapt to change 

EDUCATION
High School Diploma or Equivalent

LICENSECERTIFICATIONS


Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets

woman with mask on

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.

No jobs have been viewed recently.

No jobs have been saved.

Employee holding a tablet while gazing through a window.

Why get job alerts?

To stay in touch with us, we encourage you to sign up for our job alerts.

Once registered, we’ll match you with current and future career opportunities. You’ll also receive updates about Quest news, events, and other exciting opportunities.

Sign up today!

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.

Quest Diagnostics is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please complete the accommodation request form.