Tenet Healthcare·Detroit, Michigan
Performs pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical testing activities within the Anatomic Pathology department. Responsibilities include processing patient specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and assisting in the training and supervision of staff.
1. Assists in training in the appropriate Anatomic Pathology and specimen processing policies and procedures to improve the knowledge, skills and abilities of staff to meet department competency standards. 2. Assists with problem solving and troubleshooting of routine or moderately complex processing and/or Anatomic Pathology issues utilizing appropriate skills and knowledge gained through work experience. 3. Enforces and complies with departmental safety polices and procedures and OSHA guidelines, including the use of applicable personal protective equipment. 4. Prioritizes incoming specimens; processes patient specimens using specialized techniques in accordance with departmental safety and OSHA guidelines. Ensures stats and other critical specimens are accurately and immediately processed in accordance with pre-established guidelines Documents specimen problems and communicates to supervisor or other lead designee. 5. Sets up and maintains designated work areas and equipment (i.e. Gross room, dissection area, cytology processing) as assigned Ensures that equipment is operational for appropriate use 6. Collaborate with staff and Pathologists for all Anatomic Pathology processes. Labels Specimens, vials and slides and places them on appropriate equipment.. Programs and loads Imagers, stainers and other appropriate equipment. 7. Generates labels and attaches to specimens according to pre-established test requirements. 8. Ensures specimen integrity by verifying patient identification. 9. Assigns accession numbers to all specimens and process the specimens according to protocol. 10. Prepares specimens to be sent to reference labs according to pre-established test requirements. Records incoming results onto appropriate logs. 11. Performs special processing of selective specimens (i.e. Acid wash, Cell block, Decalcification) according to established guidelines. 12. Maintains daily records, such as specimen logs/worksheets, send outs, and special procedure logs. Inputs data for workload. Accurately enters patient demographics data into the laboratory computer system; detects and corrects errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards. 13. Maintains a neat and clean work area; stocks storage area with supplies and inventories as necessary. Cleans equipment and small instruments; performs simple inspection and maintenance of laboratory equipment. 14. May conduct routine quality control checks on equipment (e.g. records temperatures). Reports unusual findings to Supervisor or Lead Designee. 15. Prepares solutions and reagents in accordance with pre-established guidelines. 16. Performs a variety of clerical duties such as answering the telephone, scheduling maintaining records, referencing inquiries from other departments, communicating with external staff or sources or relaying messages to the appropriate personnel. 17. Responsible to check organizational communication daily (i.e. Outlook, laboratory software, posted notices, etc.) 18. Work independently with minimal supervision. 19. Acts as in-charge designee in the absence of the group leader or supervisor. 20. Act as a resource to Lab assistants. Assist with specimen processing and answer questions regarding Laboratory policies and procedures. 21. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requires a high school diploma and at least three years of experience in specimen processing or a pathology lab. An associate degree and specific experience in Anatomic Pathology are preferred.
Market context
Michigan healthcare employers commonly need experienced lab support staff to keep anatomic pathology workflows moving, especially in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. This role is competitive because employers often prefer candidates with direct anatomic pathology experience, while the posted requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time. If you are applying, highlight specimen processing accuracy and any exposure to tissue handling, and verify how the medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and EAP benefits align with your needs.
