Pathology Tech - #1694201

Summary

Performs a variety of routine, quality control, and specialized pathology laboratory tasks under the direction and supervision of histotechnicians. Assists the histotechnicians and pathologists in the handling and preparation of a variety of human pathology specimens in the disciplines of clinical histology and cytology. Provides processing, embedding, staining and slide preparation of selected specimens for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. In addition to pathology laboratory tasks, this position must assist with registering patients, accessioning histology and cytology specimens, as well as providing administrative support to the Pathology laboratory.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Collects specimens from Operating Room and Central Processing and maintains tracking information.
• Evaluates specimens for proper identification, labeling and preservation and inquires with pathologists, physician practices, hospital departments and technical staff as necessary, to clarify specimen source and obtain any incomplete or discrepant information.
• Accessions specimens using the pathology information system and enters patient registration information accurately and completely.
• Checks and maintains accuracy of patient identification through all phases of test cycle. Outliers are followed up as appropriate with Occurrence Reporting System and/or entered into deficiency reporting system for QI.
• Accurately prepares cassettes for Pathologist to use in the gross diagnosis process. Knowledgeable about specific tissue types requiring certain protocols for setup. Properly labels slides per protocol.
• Assists the Histology Technicians with selected, routine histologic procedures as needed and is familiar with back up manual methods.
• Performs tissue embedding on selected small tissues, ensuring that tissue orientation is correct for the biopsy and tissue type.
• Unblocks hardened paraffin blocks from molds and sets up for cutting.
• Trims selected quality control tissue blocks to an appropriate depth and places representative section on slide to be dried, stained, and cover slipped.
• Performs less complex manual special stain techniques, selecting and staining appropriate positive controls simultaneously and checking for correct staining patterns under microscope, with supervision. Records results for quality control.
• Performs scheduled and as needed maintenance and regent changes on all equipment routinely used in specimen preparation and slide staining.
• Reports technical or procedural problems to the supervisor if unable to resolve independently
• Receives non-GYN cytology specimens into Anatomic Pathology department and correctly enters patient data into pathology information system.
• Prepares selected non-GYN cytology specimens for staining on the automated stainer.
• Mounts stained slides with coverslips using both manual and automated techniques.
• Maintains the surgical pathology specimen cutting and tissue storage area.
• Performs and documents reagent changes on the tissue processor.
• Ensures safe and prompt disposal of tissues and fixative.
• Discards completed specimens at designated times per CAP Laboratory Retention Guidelines.
• Cleans and restocks working areas of frozen section room.
• Rotates and cleans the H & E staining run as needed.
• Disinfects cryostats as needed.
• Documents daily cryostat temperature and stain rotation.
• Other duties as consistent with this role.
  
  

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge And Skills

• A minimum of one year experience in a medical laboratory environment which includes experience handling and processing human clinical specimens
• Previous experience in an anatomic pathology laboratory is preferred
  
  

Education and Experience

• Associates degree or equivalent preferred
• Completion of the American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT) Non-GYN Specimen Processing course is preferred