Cytotechnologist

Cytology Laboratory Technician

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Major Duties:

• Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis. Plans, implements and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instruments, communicating with the Biomedical Department any instrument malfunctions.
• Reviews clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
• Issues and verifies the final diagnosis for negative gynecologic specimens.
• Has knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as preparation, fixation and staining of slides.
• Prioritizes, prepares, and processes all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunohistochemical testing in compliance with the guidelines of regulatory agencies.
• Instructs others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens and determines acceptability of patient samples for processing.
• Acts as a technical resource, troubleshoots a variety of specialized lab tests, identifies suboptimal issues and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.
• Performs routine maintenance of equipment using standard operating procedures.
• Develops new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing and recordkeeping and documentation.
• Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures.
• Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction.
• Evaluates new equipment and makes informed decisions concerning the purchasing of equipment.
• Prepares reagent and control materials.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Conveys pertinent information to those professionals of the Anatomic Pathology and Medical Center staff directly responsible for patient care in regard to proper collection methods, transportation of specimens, etc.
• Communicates effectively and courteously and provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients and others).
• Receives specimen and review accompanying requisitions for completeness and accuracy.
• Accessions specimens, determining adequacy and quality prior to recording the data in the computer.
• Processes and prepares all cytology specimens for diagnostic procedures while controlling physical conditions and responding to time factors to ensure that they physiological state of the specimen is maintained, which includes the use of centrifuges, cytocentrifuge, Thin Prep processor slide stainer, cell block methods, etc.
• Acknowledges technical limitations and various possibilities for procedural errors in cytopreparation.
• If errors are identified, takes corrective action.
• Assures proper storage and maintenance of cytology records including slides and patient reports.
• Provides training and competency assessment, including effective and professional training for the histopathology and cytopathology technologist(s), technician(s), pathologist assistants, autopsy assistants and other laboratory employees that support the services of the anatomic pathology department.
• Organizes, coordinates and prioritizes simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program.
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• Serves as a cytology subject matter expert providing authoritative advice and consultation for more markedly difficult, complex, unique, and/or emerging tests requiring specialized knowledge. Examples include, but are not limited to, molecular testing, pleural fluid analysis and flow cytometry.
• Identifies, defines and resolves issues associated with complex aspects of data or unique or controversial aspects of cytology testing where no direct precedent exists.
• Others duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Intermittent; Wednesday and Thursday; 8:00AM-4:30PM

Telework: Not Available.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 09700F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.