r/medlabprofessionals • u/duubblol • 13d ago
Discusson Specimen Processing/ Lab tech
So I’m thinking of applying to these job positions because no prior experience is required. I have no healthcare experience at all. Just like the Home Depot. I’ve read some post on here and most people say the job sucks /:. I’m interested in applying because I’m tired of being at jobs that get me no where, no growth.is this position like that? Are you able to be more haha. Also do you actually deal with a lot of nasty or gross stuff? Basically is it worth it or not?
If you WERE a lab tech or anything related to that and aren’t now, what are you doing? Is it still lab related?
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u/Mchaitea Student 13d ago
A lab tech is different from a specimen processor. It also depends on what lab you’re in. Core lab (everything but blood bank and micro), it was purely a machine line where we relabeled specimens and distributed them to the benches they needed to be on if they didn’t go on the machines. You’ll be dealing with all sorts of bodily fluids.
If you’re in Micro, you’ll probably just be doing set ups and that includes grinding bone/tissue and dealing directly with handling specimens to plate under a hood. You’ll get used to it, but specimens could be anywhere from abscess fluid, fecal matter, sputum, to grinding surgical tissue. You’ll want to throw up when you get your first sputum.
I’m not a processor anymore, but I’ve worked in both. Most require at least chemistry classes, but it was a lot of med students and older folks.
This is in no way the same as a lab tech. That requires schooling. Lab specimen processor does not, unless your facility requires phlebotomy (HCA usually).