pathology technician

• When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
• Under the general supervisor of the Anatomic Pathology Manager, or designee, the Pathology Technician performs all specific core specimen accessioning, specimen reconciliation and validation, specimen handling and specimen/tissue processing tasks and workflow processes in accordance with established laboratory practice and standard operating procedure for anatomic pathology and cytology specimens.
• The Pathology Technician may be responsible for charting and logging safety and quality control information, inventory control of general and specimen handling supplies, disposal of waste, and preventative maintenance of equipment and workbenches.
• With appropriate qualifications and training, process simple biopsies not requiring knowledge of anatomy and completely submitted for microscopic evaluation.
• To include description count, color, appearance and size under the direct supervision of a Pathologists.
• With appropriate qualification and training, prepare cytology specimens obtained by a variety of cell sampling techniques including needle aspiration biopsies, endoscopic washing and brushings, cervical/vaginal/anal cytology samples and from body cavity fluids.

Job Description

The following statements intent is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of this position. Essential

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Able to perform general laboratory maintenance duties including but not limited to those listed and performed by Anatomic pathology Staff. a Transport of specimen within the hospital (and associated documentation) b Files specimen blocks and slides for storage. c Properly handles and disposes all hazardous waste both chemical and infections d Maintains all hazardous waste according to laboratory standards. e Maintains a clean work environment. f Cleans and disinfects work are on a daily basis. g Answers telephone. h Assists the Pathology Navigation team as deemed appropriate. i Assists Pathologist Assistant’s, Cytotechnologists and Pathologists with inquires. j Maintains hospital required educational modules. k Participates in appropriate continuing education. 2. Specimen receipt, verification and accessioning into the laboratory information system for all types of incoming pathology and cytology specimens. a Orders appropriate protocol for specimens order placed by physicians b Effectively communicates in verbal or written form with various physicians’ pathologists, nursing and ancillary service staff in resolution to specimen labeling and specimen orders. c Receives and accepts specimens. Inspects transport packaging, conditions of incoming specimen containers, confirms accurate specimen labeling, order requisition forms, attestation forms and complete and appropriate electronic orders. d Identifies any inaccuracy, discrepancy, errors, mishandling or missing specimens during the process. e Responsible for documentation and communication of identified errors. f Communicates to supervisory staff and completes internal and external Quality Assurance (QA) deviation forms as required. g Initiates immediate corrective action for the resolution of any specimen management issue with the appropriate clinical service where the specimen originated. 3. Specimen Processing (as assigned): a Possess a thorough understanding of tissue processing. b Is proficient with the daily start-up and troubleshooting of equipment used to process specimens. c Knowledge for independent work with equipment loading, unloading, maintenance and quality control functions. d Maintains all equipment and environment temperature and quality monitors. e If assigned, process, prepare and stain slides as assigned from non-gynecologic cytology specimens using various methods including Thin Prep, conventional smears and cellblocks. f May process, prepare unstained slides and initiate staining for bone marrow specimens. g Participates in validations of and implementation of new specimen processing procedures, methods and equipment in conjunction with management and pathology medical director directives. h If assigned, electronically order and track specimen send-out orders. i Works in conjunction with Pathology Navigators for all additional specimen send-out orders, to include Immunohistochemistry stain reference lab ordering. j If assigned, may process simple biopsies including description count, color appearance and size under the direct supervision of a Pathologist. 4. Slide Distribution: a May offload stained slides, organize into slide trays and assure proper labeling. b Perform a manual “block check”. Compare appearance of the individual block features to the individual matching labeled stained slide. If abnormalities exist, refer to supervisory staff to address in preparation for delivery to pathologists. c Deliver completed slide trays to assigned pathologist electronic and manually. 5. Maintains Supplies: a Monitors stock levels of supplies and reagents, communicates with Pathology Assistant’s and Grossing Technicians to ensure monitoring levels of all supplies. b Manually orders supplies in the hospital electronic module. c Store supplies in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation, Maintains appropriate quantity and location, order and restock in a timely manner. 6.