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8 days median time this employer’s postings stay open (last 90 days)
$13.00/hr · lowesthighest · $180/hr
this role: $60.61/hrmedian $58.03/hr
Shaded band: the middle 50% of 98 posted allied health roles in San Francisco, California rates. This role sits in the 58th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 4% above the San Francisco, California median for allied health roles.
The Hospital Lab Technician collects and prepares specimens for laboratory analysis while maintaining accurate records and performing computer entry. The role also involves providing instructions for complex tests and assisting in the Clinical Laboratory Processing section as needed.
The Hospital Lab Technician provides services to both inpatient and outpatient clients as assigned. Collects specimens according to protocol, prepares specimens for the laboratory, maintains accurate records of drawn specimens using established procedures for UCSF. May be assigned to perform phlebotomy at either location (SFH / SMH) Responsible for labeling and distributing appropriate containers to collect other specimens, giving instructions for complex tests, clerical duties, specimen processing duties, computer entry, and specimen preparation for transport to referral labs. Will be assigned to Clinical Laboratory Processing section as needed.
Responsibilities
% of time Essential Function (Yes/No) Key Responsibilities 50 Yes Task A: Phlebotomy/Specimen Collections Phlebotomy requires the use of evacuated tubes and/or syringe and needle for obtaining blood specimens by venipuncture, the ability to obtain blood specimens by skin puncture (especially on infants), and the ability to make smears or peripheral blood on microscope slides when indicated.
Standards
Washes hands or uses alcohol-based hand sanitizer prior to contact with patients. Properly identifies patient by following established department or medical center protocol, to assure proper match of patient with test request on electronic screen or on the paper laboratory requisition. Thoroughly checks requisition-based information and is knowledgeable about volume requirements, container type, and proper specimen labeling. Uses the Clinical Laboratory Online Lab Manual as a resource whenever additional information is required. Consistently utilizes established blood draw technique including site identification and preparation. Skillfully uses appropriate equipment and employs post-venipuncture care. Uses skill to find the correct veins in patients and utilizes the proper needle to obtain blood by venipuncture. Knows when to perform skin puncture and applies the correct device in the designated area of the foot or hand. Is familiar with the minimum amounts required for testing. Communicates with the ordering physician or designee if unable to obtain the exact amount to establish test priority with the quantity obtained. Administers glucose drink for tolerance tests, Determines collection time(s) and properly collects and labels timed sequential blood draws for glucose tolerance. Other requests for timed blood draws are promptly attended to (e.g., d-xylose tests). All specimens for the Blood Bank must be dated and legibly signed by the person who obtained the specimen. Follows Laboratory policy on utilizing the Blood Bank Identification band system. Collects appropriate specimens for blood culture including AFB, fungal, or viral analysis. Carefully selects sites, cleans area, and ensures precautions are taken when transferring blood to culture containers, as this requires changing needles. Adheres to Hospital Infection Control policy in regard to proper health and safety requirements such as wearing gloves and safety goggles, hand washing, and isolation procedures when required. Ensures proper specimen transport by proper racking and/or bagging specimens, proper clocking and routing of STAT specimens. Stocks all blood draw supplies in assigned work area and maintains a clean work area. Takes responsibility for writing phlebotomy code and VPO on the outpatient requisition. Initialing and filing the patient draw record in the designated filing area. 5
Requirements
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, at least one to two years of laboratory experience, and a current California Phlebotomy Certificate (CPT 1). Proficiency in phlebotomy across diverse patient types and strong computer skills are essential for this role.
high school
professional certificate
Phlebotomy
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Windows
Computer skills
Patient care
Record keeping
Data entry
Medical terminology
Specimen collection
Laboratory protocols
Clinical laboratory processing
Posting details
Employment type
Unknown
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
$61 - $61/hr
Location
San Francisco, California
Posted
Aug 17, 2026
Application
Employer website
Yes
Task B: Patient Greeting/ Reception Patients should be greeted in a friendly, cheerful manner.
The phlebotomist will: Acknowledge the Patient with a greeting Introduce themselves Explain the expected Duration of the test to be performed Explain test or procedure (blood draw, urine collection, etc.) Thank the patient – if outpatient, thank them for choosing UCSF and allowing us to provide service to you today – if in-patient, also say “thank you” and for both patients, ask if there is anything else you can do for them 5
Yes
Task C:
Processing
Orders in the
Hospital and
Laboratory
Information
Systems: (NOTE: If assigned to the Processing Bench, % of time is increased) Patient orders must be validated before collecting specimens. For In-Patients, orders should be displayed in the handheld PDA devices. The phlebotomist should check with the nurse before drawing blood to ensure orders are correct and verify if Lab to collect versus Nurse to collect. Collection labels are generated from the handheld devices after properly identifying the patient. If orders are not available in the PDA, (i.e. Downtime) a paper requisition must be received with the tests requested clearly identified. Downtime or chart labels may be used to identify specimens. Specimens should be transported to the Clinical Laboratory following established protocols. For Outpatients, orders should be validated, entered into the LIS and released to generate labels for specimen collection, following established protocols. Outpatients may not always have an electronic order for testing. If the patient presents a paper requisition to the laboratory, follow established protocol for entering the order into the computer system.
Standards
For In-Patients, use the handheld PDAs or paper requisition/ labels after checking with nurse.
For
In-Patients, process the work in the following order: STATs Timed orders Routine orders For outpatient collection areas, place specimens in routine blood racks within 30 minutes. Processes STATs, urine, and body fluids within 20 minutes.
Processes work in the following order: STAT’s Process Immediately Body Fluids Routine racks Urine Research/”Specimen in lab” Routes back to a supervisor any problem that takes more than 1 – 2 minutes to resolve, or sets it aside until the remaining work is processed. Resolves all problems within 2 hours. Clears up all problems by the end of the work shift. Minimizes the number of computer errors by carefully checking the computer entry on CRT screen before “verifying” input. 10
Yes
Task D: STAT or Routine Processing STAT specimens should be processed first and sent to the Clinical Laboratory for processing. In Out-Patient and Processing areas, specimens are sorted for delivery to the appropriate department: Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, etc. STAT specimens may be grouped together in a single container. As needed, receive specimens in the Laboratory Information System. Label specimens with the appropriate computer-generated labels. Be aware of the risk of incorrectly labeling a sample when specimens collected at multiple times or from several sites are submitted together; prepare pour-off vials for aliquots. Provide clear written instructions to the analytical sections and Specimen Processing when specimens must be shared (e.g., between Chemistry and Hematology).
Standards
Labels specimens and aliquots correctly. Maintains reasonable speed on a steady basis in order to complete labeling of a rack within 10 minutes of completion of computer order entry (accession). Detects and corrects discrepancies between request forms and computer-generated labels or in making appropriately labeled pour-off tubes. If a specimen has not been received within 2 hours, communicates to the ordering location and sends an appropriate comment on the computer. Follow Laboratory policy if canceling test in LIS. Document who was notified Document reason for cancellation Document additional information as needed, i.e. duplicate accession number, etc. 5
Yes
Task E: Specimen Aliquots – Referral Specimens (Sendouts) When assigned to work in the
Processing areas of the
Clinical
Laboratory
Standards: Aliquots and labels specimens correctly. Assures transfers or orders are made on requisitions of shared specimens Processes all routine sendout tests within 45 minutes, all STATs within 10-minutes. Notifies Supervisor if unable to complete tasks in a timely manner. 5
Yes
Task F: Responses to Inquiries/Communications Communicate non-technical information (such as collection instructions and turnaround times, pricing, test results, etc.) obtained from the Laboratory Manual. The in- and out-patient price files, the laboratory computer, and the requisitions. Consult with supervisor and technical staff WHEN INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE in these sources. Communicate accurately and clearly, whether in person or by telephone.
Standards
Be professional and courteous at all times. Keep in mind that everyone has the common goal of helping the patient. 5
Yes
Task G: Telephone Duty Answer all telephone extensions in the work area in a timely manner.
Standards
Adheres to the hospital’s established house and telephone standards. Identifies oneself and the unit and offers “May I help you?”. Attempts to answer phones before the third ring. 5
Yes
Task I: Pneumatic Tube (if applicable) Check contents of pneumatic tube from Hematology clinic upon arrival in ACC lab. Promptly check and return the tube with any slides, blood products, and any other supplies.
Standards
Empties and returns tubes as soon as possible after arrival. 5
Yes
Task J: Computer Downtime During a computer downtime, it will be necessary to process specimens according to established downtime protocols. Process specimens correctly without the aid of computer labels and forward them to the proper testing sections. Write patient/test information on all pour-off tubes.
Standards
Is familiar with Computer Downtime plans and is able to follow with minimal supervision. Follows these instructions except when authorized to do otherwise by supervisor. Hand-writes al requisitions and labels legibly. 5
Yes
Task K: Additional Unspecified Duties Perform additional duties or projects as assigned in the Clinical Laboratory In-Patient Phlebotomy, Out-Patient Blood Draw or Clinical Laboratories Processing sections.
Standards
Completes the assigned task properly within the agreed upon time. Errors – Definitions and Significance Errors in processing laboratory specimens can have a serious negative impact to patients by delaying testing and the availability of test results, or it can result in improper follow-up and treatment for the patient. Incorrect identification of patient before phlebotomy, especially for Blood Bank tests, can result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment. Errors can potentially misdirect diagnosis or treatment. These include mixing up samples from different patients, mixing up two different specimens from the same patient, using the wrong specimen additive, incorrectly entering (sending) test results in the laboratory computer, and similar mistakes, as well as errors which may require a patient to repeat an invasive diagnostic procedure (e.g., failure to properly preserve or store a CSF, which results in the patient’s having to undergo another spinal tap). Other serious errors may cause some degree of inconvenience to a patient but do not yield an incorrect result and therefore are not likely to lead directly to improper management of the patient. These are primarily errors of omission or of additional unwarranted laboratory testing, failing to enter orders for tests, which were requested or excessive delay in processing resulting in the test missing the scheduled run. Erroneous entry of charges to budget accounts are also serious because they waste the time and resources of personnel inside and outside the laboratory in tracking down and correcting the problem. Such errors often can be corrected without requiring another patient sample. 100%
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma (GED) Two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical, or social sciences, and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position. Possession of a current phlebotomy certificate issued by California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services Experience in performing Phlebotomy on a broad range of patient types Demonstrates computer skills, demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills Must be able to work well under pressure. This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations and at off-site locations as assigned and in varying schedules as needed. Proficient with PC, Windows, Word, Excel, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous knowledge of and experience in a clinical lab setting, and medical terminology preferred. Previous Phlebotomy experience in an In-Patient hospital setting Required Licenses/Certifications Current California State Phlebotomy Certificate - CPT 1
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
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