Pathology Accessioner - Main Immediate Response Lab - PRN - Days

Job Description

The Pathology Accessioner plays a vital role in supporting the operations of our laboratory environment by assisting in the preparation and processing of specimens for analysis, ensuring adherence to aseptic techniques, maintaining accurate records of specimen collection and processing activities, collaborating with laboratory staff to ensure timely and accurate results for patient care, and utilizing knowledge of anatomy and physiology to support laboratory procedures and recognizing potential issues. This position is responsible for ensuring that all gross room and associated activities are conducted efficiently and in compliance with established protocols.

Responsibilities

Customer Focus

• Builds a positive relationship with customers through phone interactions.
• Assists clients and coordinates respectfully with technical departments to ensure quality service delivery for anatomic pathology results.
• Uses proper telephone etiquette when receiving and transferring calls.
• When taking messages, gathers all necessary details such as the caller's name, date, time, and phone number to ensure the accuracy of the situation.
• Asks clarifying questions to identify the underlying problems and offer solutions.
• Advocates for customers by engaging with them positively. Refers to other resources when necessary.
• Uses appropriate laboratory terminology when engaging with the customers.
• Accurately provides test results to the appropriate personnel.
• Utilizes established protocols and independent judgment to assess the credibility and accuracy of test results.
• Evaluates and identifies the necessary specifications for specimen collection, ensuring clarity on the type, quantity, and handling procedures to support accurate and reliable testing outcomes.

Technical

• Efficiently secures and processes written orders, ensuring all documentation is thorough and accurate.
• Prioritizes stat add-ons with a sense of urgency, recognizing their critical role in prompt decision-making.
• Verifies any orders that present uncertainties, ensuring clarity and adherence to established protocols.
• Maintains the integrity of specimens meant for testing, conducting a detailed assessment before accepting requests to guarantee the highest quality of results.

Department Support

• Receives and sorts clinical lab specimens.
• Prepares specimens for testing and analysis.
• Scans and/or enters specimen and patient information data.
• Ensures all lab equipment is working properly and performs minor instrumentation maintenance.
• Troubleshoots any specimen related issues.
• Replenishes test bench supplies as needed.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
• Completes record logs and other administrative duties as requested.
• Follows all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety and quality standards.
• Packages and sends out all Send-out Specialty Testing.
• Processes samples, records tracking number, and prepares kits for shipment.
• Contacts specialty labs and arranges for supplies and shipment of samples. Handles all POC disposal and sends out to funeral homes, coordinates with wings department, and attends quarterly meetings for troubleshooting. Works with pastoral services to coordinate footprints being sent to patients.
• Assists with autopsies when staffing is below minimum levels.
• Conducts weekly disposal of tissue.
• Reconciles the daily outstanding logs to assure delivery of incoming testing.
• Collects and records all information needed to investigate issues, such as patient details, dates, and tests ordered. Lets customers know when they can expect a follow-up call.
• Takes all necessary steps to fix technical issues and ensure timely solutions. Shows strong knowledge of instruments, quality control, and patient testing.
• Provides on-site technical assistance to data entry staff to assist with handling of Outreach samples.

Process Improvements

• Brings to the attention of the management team any recurring challenges and concerns.
• Suggests solutions to issues and aids as needed to implement those solutions within the department.
• Collaborates with lab managers to implement technical changes needed to resolve the issue. Utilizes additional communication methods as necessary.
• Anticipates and actively identifies areas for process and system improvement.

Professional Development

• Maintains currency in the field, including maintenance of any necessary licensure/certification, through continuing education, conferences, meetings, in-services, networking, literature, and/or seminars.
• Performs other duties assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED required. Anatomical Pathology and Medical Terminology knowledge or classes preferred.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one year experience as a phlebotomist or health care-oriented background.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Superior knowledge of anatomic pathology. Excellent multi-tasking skills required. Excellent attention to detail. Ability to read and comprehend written information required; ability to effectively and efficiently perform a variety of job duties in a stressful, fast paced environment is required. Keyboarding skills preferred.