Pathology Technician Assistant AA

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Pathology/Laboratory Director and the Laboratory Administrative Director or designee and under general supervision of the grossing pathologist, assists pathologist in the receipt, preparation and examination of surgical tissue specimens and autopsies. Assures that all specimens are appropriately logged, processed and disposed of in a timely and safe manner. All tasks are to be done courteously and correctly; using judgment to respond appropriately to changing workload. Must be willing to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.

A. Receives, transports, verifies identification, logs, and prepares gross surgical and cytology specimens received in pathology: 1. May be required to pick up and transport all pathology specimens from laboratory and surgery, verifying specimen identification. Resolves discrepancies. 2. Labels specimens, requisitions, cassettes with surgical accession number, legibly and accurately. 3. Enters accession number, patient and specimen identifiers into computer database. 4. Processes, prepares and sends specimens to outside laboratory; accurately completes all associated paperwork. 5. Processes, prepares and distributes intra-facility consultations. 6. Performs tissue sections according to written policies and procedures. B. Assists pathologist with gross examination. 1. Sets up necessary equipment, supplies and specimens for gross examination. 2. Stores specimens after examination. 3. Disinfects area/ instruments including cryostat. 4. May assist pathologists preparing fetal/infant cadavers and associated paperwork for delivery to fetal pathologists. C. Maintains wet tissue storage 1. Stores, rotates and disposes of all wet tissues in accordance with departmental procedures. Disinfects and maintains specimen storage cabinets. 2. Disposes of tissues, decanting formaldehyde per department protocol and following all safety precautions. D. Assists other staff, as directed, and assists with clerical duties 1. Receives slides from Regional Lab and distributes slides to pathologist. Verifies accuracy of shipment. 2. Files, including slides. 3. Assists with stocking supplies and proper utilization of supplies. 4. Mailing and distribution of report. 5. Answering the telephone and responding to voicemail messages in a timely manner. 6. According to established facility protocol, conducts daily morgue census; verifies if autopsy is required; and collects permit chart, etc. as assigned. E. Properly labels, stores, handles, and disposes reagents and hazardous wastes according to local, State and Federal regulations. This may include recycling or reprocessing of reagents used in the department/unit including neutralization of formaldehyde before disposing. F. May be assigned to train staff in all non-grossing duties. G. Other duties assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Compliance Accountability:

Grade 430