Histology Assistant

Job Title

Major Responsibilities:

• Maintenance and storage of adequate inventory. Maintains adequate supplies and reagents at workstation and notes when reorder or preparation levels are reached. Orders supplies as required. Follows up on back orders, missing and incorrect orders. Puts supplies away appropriately including rotation of stock. Assures that all supplies are marked with date received, logged and appropriate labels NFPA are applied according to accrediting agency requirements.
• Maintains departmental equipment and computer hardware. Performs and documents routine preventative maintenance on instrumentation and equipment including printers and keyboards. Documents all maintenance and technical problems per established protocol. Identifies and solves technical problems related to lab methodology, including instrumentation and procedures; notifies supervisor as appropriate.
• Ensures accurate identification and validity of all specimens received from Surgery, Emergency Department, Nursing unit and physician's offices. Confirms surgical specimen number, part number, etc. Notifies initiating unit and documents incidents of unacceptable identification or validity of specimens.
• Follows established laboratory safety procedures in accordance with those regulatory bodies such as OSHA, FDA, EPA, etc. Complies with requirements of CAP, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and other regulatory agencies.
• Prepares tissue section and cytology cellblock cassette for histological processing. Assists pathologist or pathology assistant with gross examination of surgical specimens, labels tissue cassettes; maintains accurate daily workload records. Assists with fine needle aspirates including processing and logging for referral laboratories. Accurately files and retrieves stained slides, blocks to meet legal compliance retention of records.
• Assists in the preparation and performance of human postmortem examinations if deemed necessary per each laboratory site. Under the direction of the pathologist verifies the identity of the cadaver, makes preliminary body measurements, eviscerates the cadaver, performs routine dissections of some organs, cleans bowel and removes brain as requested, makes appropriate organ measurements, weights and records preliminary observations according to autopsy protocol. Notifies the Admitting Office when the body is ready for release to the funeral director. Assists in the assembling data necessary for the preparation of preliminary autopsy protocol. Assures the proper maintenance of equipment, adequacy of supplies and cleanliness and compliance with regulations in the autopsy suite.
• Provides required patient service and job assignment turn-around times according to established standards. Performs with adequate speed to assure expected result turnaround time. Initiates follow-up procedures when patient results exceed established criteria according to department protocol. Ensures frozen sections are processed promptly and within established protocol (site specific).
• Performs quality control testing. Records, reports and monitors all QC data in the proper manner. Takes appropriate corrective action when necessary and documents; notifies supervisor when limits are exceeded. Participates in efforts to monitor and improve CQI indicators. Identifies opportunities for improving quality.
• Demonstrates competency in the use of the Hospital Information System (HIS), Laboratory Information System (LIS) computer functions. Recognizes unusual operation functions of LIS systems i.e., fatal error codes, locked patients and notifies appropriate personal. Initiates and follows downtime procedures during instances of HIS/LIS failures or scheduled downtime. Performs computer functions, which includes, but are not limited to specimen accession, credits, charges, and order entry, printing of labels, reports.
• Assists in training and teaching bench-level methodology and theory to new and existing associates and students.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

License/Registration/Certification Required: None Required.

Education Required: High School Graduate or equivalent.

Experience Required: Typically requires 2 years of experience in a medical field environment. Familiar with medical terminology.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of human anatomy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of biologic sciences and medical terminology.
• Must know how to safely handle sharp instruments.
• Must be detail oriented and have good organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include alternate site assignment and on-call for autopsies.
• Keyboarding and typing skills.
• Proficient computer skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to operate all equipment necessary to perform the duties of the job.
• Frequently lifts up to 20 lbs. Occasionally required to move up to 200 lbs.
• Sits, stands and walks the majority of the workday as well as lifts, squats, bends and twists throughout.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and infectious agents therefore, must wear protective clothing and equipment as needed.
• Will be exposed to human blood, body fluids, tissues and cadavers therefore, must wear protective clothing and equipment as needed.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.