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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. Safety:
- a Follows all safety guidance and policies with use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
- b Disposes of waste (chemical, biological) in accordance with safety procedures and protocols
- c Recognized and reacts properly to risk situations (spills, chemical exposure, fire etc.).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Minimum education required :
Route 1: Minimum of an Associate degree in a chemical or biological science, or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution.
OR
Route 2: Education or training equivalent to the above that includes 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that includes:
24 semester hours of science courses that include 6 semester hours in both chemistry and biology and a combination of an additional 12 semester hours of biology, chemistry or medical laboratory courses.
AND A or B
A. Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory-training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS or other HHS approved organization.
B. At least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
NAACLS: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Knowledge, skills and abilities required :
- Ability to communicate clearly
- Ability to multitask; work in multiple areas of the department performing varied tasks.
- Ability to use an electronic laboratory software system
- Ability to perform complex analytic tests and interpret finding.
- Ability to identify problems in a process.
Working Conditions
1. Exposure to infectious diseases and possibly carcinogenic chemicals.
2. Minimal exposure to caustic agents, acids, and fumes.
3. Prolonged standing and walking.
4. Works under constant time deadlines.
5. Performs data entry with repetitive hand movement, and visual concentration at video display terminal, to review and enter data.
6. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulations.
7. Uses protective equipment as described in the Laboratory Policy and Procedure Manual.
8. Requires exposure to power tools and heavy equipment.
9. Capable of lifting 50 pounds.
Mount Auburn Hospital employees must readily adjust to change and handle a rapid paced environment and the stresses associated with that, while continuing to provide high quality, efficient service.
Pay Range:
$26.52 – $35.00
The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.
