Anatomic Pathology Tech

Under the direction of the Lead Pathologists' Assistants & Chief of Anatomic Pathology Services, the incumbent in this position will perform a wide variety of duties related to the receipt and processing of surgical pathology tissue specimens.

The incumbent must know how to accurately identify various tissue types, interpret clinical history to ensure proper submission of the specimen, and order additional pertinent testing to ensure optimal patient diagnosis and treatment.

Must comply with procedures as outlined by department and government regulations.

The incumbent must possess interpersonal and organizational skills necessary to work productively in a team environment under limited supervision.

The incumbent will also maintain a commitment to Baystate Health's service standards, while also possessing the ability to use well-thought-out independent judgment.

Job Responsibilities: 1) Verifies the appropriateness of specimen, accurately labels and identifies specimen.

Notifies appropriate parties if patient data and specimen do not match or orders are not clear.

2) Must accurately record gross descriptions, use proper medical terminology, proper inking and sectioning of simple skin specimens; determine if special stains or procedures are necessary by reviewing the clinical history.

Additionally, is responsible for the formulation of the gross description and manipulation of biopsies in which representative sections are to be selected and is involved with decalcification of specimens using the proper procedures and solutions.

3) Excellent computer skills required to utilize CoPath IS functions to accession incoming specimens, accurately enter specimen information and order levels, special stains, etc., access previous pertinent clinical history to correlate with current specimen handling requirements.

Compile and print processing logs that are forwarded to Histology for workload tracking.

Utilize Voice Recognition software.

4) Must demonstrate excellent judgment and advanced troubleshooting skills to assist in resolving daily problems, and to prioritize specimen workflow with regards to clinical importance.

Communicates and documents any procedural concerns to the Lead Pathologists' Assistant.

5) Assists the Pathologists in intraoperative procedures.

Includes cutting and staining frozen sections, touch preps and specimen triage.

6) Attains proficiency in some of the technical aspects of the Histology laboratory.

7) Assists the Pathologists' Assistants with the training of new Pathology Residents, new Anatomic Pathology Technicians, and new Prep techs in departmental processes and procedures.