Grossing Technician

Permanent Grossing Technician

Working as a team member within the histology department and under the general direction of the histology laboratory supervisor and pathologists, this person assists in grossing of tissue specimens that do not require expertise of pathologists or pathologist assistants, maintains the cutting rooms and frozen section area organized and in a state of functional readiness, keeps grossed specimens flowing into microwave processor in a productive and organized manner, and as time permits, assists lab by embedding, autostainer staining, coverslipping slides, and other duties to assure that specimens are received and processed in a productive manner. Follows established protocol to assure that accreditation, safety, and compliance standards are met.

Job responsibilities include performing functions to carry out the daily routine of grossing and work in the cutting rooms within the scope and limitations defined by accreditation and company's standard operating procedures. Performs a variety of tasks using speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Works in an open environment that requires significant and on-going mental alertness to handle several issues simultaneously with constant interruptions. Must work as a responsible, cooperative member of an overall team. Must be able to effectively accommodate demands of a heavy workload. Requires standing for long periods, sitting, walking, bending, lifting with assistance of a transport dolly for heavy or cumbersome items, and periodic driving to transport supplies, reports, or maintain work area offsite at MSC. Follows established company policies and departmental standard operating procedures including company compliance standards. Maintains utmost confidentiality of company, coworker, patient, and client information. Follows safety and security policies and precautions, reporting any incidents, injuries, or concerns promptly. Supports the company philosophy of quality service delivery in a business-like / professional, courteous, and timely manner. Functions as a cooperative team member, using courtesy and respect to assure that the department and company service obligations are met in a coordinated, effective, and timely manner. Notifies supervisor / management of situations or problems that can adversely effect the overall work environment, service functions, and/or client/patient/company relations. Reports to work on time, works productively, maintains good attendance, and is punctual in returning from breaks and lunch. Maintains accurate, complete and timely payroll records on a daily basis. Adapts to variations in work schedule and assignments to accommodate staffing needs of the department, which may include periodic weekend shifts and overtime as approved. Communicates in a business-like yet respectful and courteous manner. Develops new skills required to keep current in performing job functions. Performs gross examination and submission for small endoscopic gastrointestinal biopsies, bronchoscopic biopsies, small cervical, endocervical, and endometrial biopsies, and needle biopsies of the prostate under the indirect supervision of a pathologist. Only biopsies, which require simple quantitation, standard description, and total submission without selection, may be handled. Sections punch and shave biopsies of skin, and elliptical skin biopsies without margin orientation under the indirect supervision of a pathologist. Sectional specimens must be totally submitted and follow standardized gross description. (All other specimens requiring selection, cutting, or orientation are to be submitted by a pathologist or pathology assistant.) Assists the pathologist with dissection and handling of specimens under close, direct supervision (positioning and holding amputated extremities and changing fixatives and decal solutions on specimens). Maintains cryostat, staining station, hood, and grossing area in a clean, well stocked, organized, and functional manner. Maintains frozen section area of the cutting room in state of readiness. Sets up and maintains microwave processor. Changes solutions, verifies temp and time settings. troubleshoots, and notifies supervisor of problems. Keeps grossed specimens flowing through microwave processing in an organized and productive manner. Maintains cryostat, staining station, and lab area at MSC and HSC in organized, clean, and functional state. Uses time wisely and productively and as time permits, uses initiative to assist with embedding tissues, performing routine stains using autostainer, and loading coverslipper. Works with supervisor and histotechs to best utilize time not spent in the cutting rooms. Covers duties of specimen processor to assure that workload flows smoothly in the cutting rooms, in the transport of specimens, reports, and supplies, and in maintaining a functional state of readiness. Follows all safety, compliance, and accreditation policies. Participates in periodic safety and lab inservice education. Carries out duties in an accurate, meticulous manner using absolute integrity, professional discretion, and confidentiality of patient and company information. Communicates with pathologists, path assistants, specimen processors, lab personnel, transcriptionists, couriers, and others in a business-like, professional manner, working together to deliver company services. Performs other duties as assigned by pathologists, histology supervisor, and management.

Education - Associate degree in a chemical or biological science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; OR Education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following: 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution that, at a minimum includes 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include six semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.

Training - Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS (this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR At least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.