PATHOLOGY ASSISTANT

Pathology Assistant

Receives and examines surgical specimens for further diagnosis, autopsy prosection and photography. Prepares specimens for fixation and embedding. Performs frozen section procedures and participates in a variety of departmental activities and services, including patient services, research, teaching and technical procedure development. Prior to obtaining Pathologist Assistant certification, must perform the following essential functions under the guidance of a certified Pathologist Assistant.

Essential Functions

10% Accessioning of surgical specimens in the laboratory information system (LIS).

• Verify patient information on specimen requisition is complete.
• Ensure specimen label and requisition are congruent.
• Accession, label, and process specimens.
• Triage cases to appropriate area for examination.
• Follow laboratory procedures for handling incorrectly submitted specimens and specimens with incomplete information.
• Ensure specimens correlate to hard copy and laboratory information system
• Note problems with specimen reception in the laboratory information

35% Perform processing and grossing of surgical specimens, as defined by CAP and CLIA 88, list A, B and C, for anatomic pathology.

• Ensure the specimen label and requisitions are congruent.
• Dictate patient demographics and clinical history.
• Describe gross anatomic features of the specimen on a biopsy service.
• Gross surgical cases as specified in List A, B and C of the CLIA regulations
• Place specimen sample(s) into appropriately labeled cassettes.
• Perform frozen section microtomy and staining

5% Performs quality control and quality assurance.

• Confirm surgical accession number on requisition, containers and cassettes.
• Check cassettes with daily log sheets
• Maintain Q\A monitor (specimen discrepancy log)

10% Maintains gross room equipment, supply inventory, specimen storage and disposal, and general cleanliness of the laboratory.

• Ensure an adequate stock of supplies, reagents and solutions for the laboratory
• Ensure cleanliness of laboratory areas, instrument and equipment according to CAP checklists.
• Ensure the proper disposal techniques for specimens, body fluids, other specimen waste and used reagents.

25% Performs routine and complex autopsies.

• Validate consent for autopsy; verify patient name and restrictions prior to autopsy
• Respect religious convictions of patient and family
• Prepare body for external examination
• Demonstrate proficiency of Letulle, Ghon, Rokitansky and Virchow technique
• Ascertain special studies as requested
• Collaborate with various research efforts.
• Prepare body for funeral home
• Notify funeral home autopsy completion.
• Assigns tasks to gross room technical staff.

15% Assists with duties related to surgical pathology and autopsy services.

• Write reviews and revise and implement standard operational procedures.
• Evaluate and recommend new methods, procedures and equipment and follow through the implementation.
• Maintain training and competency assessment records
• Assure sections are prepared for inspections by regulatory agencies.
• Meet deadlines for competency and regulatory assignments.
• Coordinate multiple activities and takes responsibility for finishing assigned duties, assisting others when needed.

Follows established company and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Pathologist Assistant Studies

Minimum Experience: 0-1 year of experience as a certified Pathologist Assistant in an anatomic pathology laboratory

Required Courses/Training: Pathologist Assistant

Required Certification/Licensure: ASCP / AAPA Pathologist Assistant certification or must be ASCP/AAPA Pathologist Assistant certified within 6 months of hire date.

Preferred Education: Masters' Degree in Pathologist Assistant Studies

Preferred Courses/Training:

Preferred Experience: Supervisory experience preferred

Computer abilities essential; has ability to operate photographic equipment

Pathology Skills/Abilities:

Excellent human relations skills

Ability to work in a morgue or morgue setting and deal with related situations

Coordinate meetings

Proofread documents

Input data into computer programs

Maintain logs

Research information

Delegate tasks

Monitor staff productivity

Maintain staffing levels

Compile data

Excellent oral/written communication and organizational skills

Foster and promote a positive image

Software: LIS, EPIC / Beaker preferred Microsoft Office / MS Excel / Word, preferred

Machines/Equipment: Personal computer Computer peripheral equipment Diagnostic equipment Photography equipment Laboratory equipment Eye Protection/Goggles Face Protection Lab Coat or Apron Non-Sterile Medical Gloves Sterile Medical Gloves

Working / Environmental Conditions:

Atmosphere and environment associated with a laboratory

Likely exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens

Potential exposure to hazards of handling diseased organs/tissues

Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases

Likely exposure to hazardous chemicals and specimens

May be exposed to/occasionally exposed to patient elements

Physical Demands:

Moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 25 lbs.)

Occasional prolonged standing/walking

Assists with lifting and moving patients

Occasionally lifts supplies/equipment

Manual dexterity and mobility

Occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching

Far Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more

Near Acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Color Vision: ability to distinguish and identify different colors

Works at tasks involving focused concentration