Lab Assistant - Pathology Lab - Histology - Full Time

Summary

Work in the Histology, Cytology and Gross Cutting Room Laboratory within the Department of Pathology under the direct supervision of the Anatomical Pathology Manager; affirms specimen identification, lab orders and ensures specimens are received in department in the computer system and physically; collates and organizes paperwork accompanying specimens and slides; packs, unpacks, sorts and transports samples and slides to assigned location; assists with basic and general lab functions. May operate digital pathology scanner. Acts as back up to Gross Room accessioner and Histology Lab Assistant as needed.

Experience

Prior experience in a hospital or clinical laboratory environment is highly preferred. Computer familiarity with keyboards and system navigation is required. Medical terminology and/or knowledge of basic anatomy is recommended.

Education

High school diploma.

Essential Functions

• Provides administrative assistance and logistical support to Histology, Cytology and Anatomical Pathology sections of the Laboratory.

• Prepares cases to be grossed-in in the Cytology (and Gross Cutting room when needed): accessions cases, checks tissue-examination and cytology forms/orders and specimens for completeness and accuracy, and labels specimen cassettes and slides with accession numbers according to varied specimen requirements and standard operating procedure.

• Registers and orders Cytology and Pathology cases as necessary, ensuring the correct entry of lab location, site and source and diagnoses registration information to ensure correct account entry and auto faxing is performed.

• Processes send-out specimens for cases needing to go to a reference laboratory.

• Files and maintains microscope slides and paraffin blocks of cytology and surgical pathology and cases in chronological/numerical order and according to appropriate storage requirements

• Follows instrument and equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures; attempts to troubleshoot malfunctioning instruments or equipment, referring major problems to the supervisor or designee.

• Recycles chemicals for re-use in the Histology Department and disposes of biohazardous waste according to company policies;

• Assists material handlers to maintain adequate inventory of clerical and laboratory supplies

• Transports specimens, slides, and papers between the Histology and Cytology laboratory and pathology offices

• Under limited supervision, responsible for the overall slide-scanning program in the Department including retrieval, scanning, and creating digital images of pathology glass slide(s)

• Coordinates receipt of scanning for glass microscope slides from outside clients etc

• Performs the technical functions for scanning, including slide orientation, setup, annotation and Identifying regions of interest;

• Distributes and manages resulting images for requester via eSlide imager and Epic as necessary.

• Trains users in the use of Digital Pathology scanners that allow navigation, magnification changes, annotations as well as telepathology (simultaneously sharing the image with others)

• Assists Pathologists with the preparation and presentation of digital images including converting their digital images to jpg formats, if needed

• Replaces bulbs, performs calibrations to vendor specs and when necessary, works with vendor support team for troubleshooting purposes

• Performs other duties as needed and/or assigned.

Physical Demands:

Walking, standing, bending or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Frequently works with blood and body fluids. May be exposed to infectious diseases. Manual dexterity required for most analytical and phlebotomy procedures.

Exposure Category

CATEGORY 1 -- Employees whose tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or other tissues.

Exposure to communicable diseases.

Quality Statement:

A goal of this position is to ensure that all contacts and customers receive quality services. The staff must be willing to participate in the quality improvement process, including but not limited to:

• Identifying areas in which the quality improvement process can be applied;

• Collecting and organizing quality measurement data; and

• Participating on Quality Teams.