Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologist Position

Cytotechnologists are solely responsible for reporting the microscopic interpretation of normal pap smear tests used to detect cervical cancer; providing preliminary interpretation of specimens from other body sites; and collaborating with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions, and malignant diseases. He or she facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management. Major duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• The cytotechnologist independently performs and monitors smear preparation, slide fixation, cellblock preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. If a discrepancy is identified with these processes, the cytotechnologist will troubleshoot and take corrective action.
• Prioritizes, prepares, and processes all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunohistechemical testing in compliance with the guidelines of the regulatory agencies.
• Selects appropriate procedures and prepares specimens to ensure high quality preservation and morphology.
• The cytotechnologist independently reviews clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
• Attends clinical Fine Needle Aspirations to collect/prepare specimens and determine adequacy for diagnostic.
• Prepares slides and uses both conventional and special rapid processing methods.
• Screens from 80 to 100 slides per day identifying cells and marking abnormal cells for the pathologists.
• Suggests diagnosis and consultations with the pathologist or unusual cases.
• Reviews cases with staff physicians, dental and medical residents. Teaches medical students and others who are interested.
• Participates in QMPI activities by maintaining a file of cytology results to compare with the histopathology findings, diagnosis and correlates results.
• Cross-trains Histopathology technicians in the preparation of slides.
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment using standard operating procedures.
• Performs a full range of specialized tasks, including collecting, compiling, and analyzing data according to the laboratory quality management program.
• Reports diagnostics, concise microscopic conclusion, and diagnosis to pathologist in accepted cytopathologic terminology.
• Maintains effective quality assurance by demonstrating through tabulating and correlating all histologic, cytologic and clinical information for GYN and non-GYN specimens.
• Conducts quality control procedures on reagents and products and maintains accurate test results that are professionally accurate daily.
• Keeps abreast on new developments by reading technical and professional journals, attending professional meetings and workshops and then incorporates these methods for use in the laboratory.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 14540F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized