Lab Assistant- Pathology

Job Title

Serves as principal support staff for the Pathology Department.

Performs a variety of data entry, specimen verification, and other related computer functions including the generation and distribution of cytology/histology reports with the assistance of the pathology clerical staff. Evaluates specimens for acceptability and notifies physician offices if the specimen received is unacceptable in any way. Completes and sends Irreplaceable Specimen Form to correct any errors. Performs tasks and procedures, under general supervision to assist other laboratory staff, including but not limited to: specimen collection, processing, staining, disposal of specimens, and requisition/slide filing. Prepare specimens/slides for sendouts. This includes specimens for ancillary testing, slides for consult, slides for immunostaining, slides/specimens sent to another institution for any reason.

Responsibilities

1. Serves as principal support staff for Pathology Department.

2. Performs a variety of data entry, specimen verification, and other related computer functions including the generation and distribution of cytology/histology reports with the assistance of the pathology clerical staff.

3. Evaluates specimens for acceptability and notifies physician offices if the specimen received is unacceptable in any way. Completes and sends Irreplaceable Specimen Form to correct any errors.

4. Assists in the interpretation of any physician orders for the correct lab test selected when necessary. Interacts professionally with all members of the hospital staff.

5. Prioritizes specimens during times of peak workload to ensure timely processing. Collaborates with co-workers in the department regarding workload and problem resolution. Effectively communicates issues to the appropriate personnel. Immediately notifies supervisor or designee when unable to resolve a problem.

6. Registers, Accessions, and orders cytology/histology specimens in EMR/LIS. Obtains missing information necessary to complete accessioning of specimen (i.e. patient name, date of birth, source of specimen, or any other pertinent information)

7. Prepares specimens needing to be sent out to a reference laboratory by centrifuging, aliquoting, labeling, etc. Accurately prepares all specimens sent to reference laboratories.

8. Processes, aliquots, and labels with correct demographics specimens to be processed in other laboratory departments.

9. Generates labels, slides, cassettes, and work list for the day as required. Set up, clean, and prepare work area including storage and disposal of specimens when appropriate according to department policies.

10. Complete gross set up (match containers with requisition). Handles the receipt and routing of all cytology/histology specimens (including checking all respective refrigerators for specimens in the morning and throughout the day).

11. Prepares cassettes for microtomy.

12. Maintains cytology daily and monthly charts for: refrigerator temperature, stainer cleaning and disposal/maintenance, thin prep machine maintenance, and centrifuge maintenance.

13. Checks pending logs and schedules in order to track incoming specimens and follows-up on any missing or overdue specimens.

14. Safely operate department equipment according to manufacturer's guidelines.

15. Files all blocks and slides that have been reviewed and are ready to be filed according to department policies.

16. Pulls archived slides and blocks when required by pathologists or technologists.

17. Strictly follows hospital regulatory guidelines in carrying out the duties of the position and provides general support to maintain laboratory records and supplies. Complies with established laboratory and hospital policies for universal precautions and safety.

18. Meets performance expectations for customer service, teamwork, resource utilization, and staff development as outlined in performance review. Uses Patient/Family center values/Conducts all work activities with respect of the rights and wishes of patients, visitors and patients families.

19. Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the department.

20. Transcription of dictated pathology reports.

21. Correct all edited working drafts before they are printed and sent to pathologist with slides.

22. Distribute all slides to pathologists for screening.

23. Phone calls- answer department phone calls from outside offices and well as placing calls for pathologist when necessary.

24. Prepare Tumor board material. This includes pulling slides, printing reports, and collating the information for the presenting pathologist.

25. Copy, fax, file, scan, distribute reports. This would include all reports that may need to be sent to a physicians office or reports for ancillary testing received into the pathology lab that need to be added to a case in which an addendum needs to be created.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

AS degree or equivalent directly related experience required.

EXPERIENCE

One year experience in general laboratory procedures (eg. centrifugation, specimen handling, specimen processing) as well as data entry/computer experience required.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Clear written and verbal communication skills required. Diplomacy, tact, and a calm positive attitude required. Uses good judgment in performance of work. Great attention to detail required. Knowledge of laboratory and pathology office procedures is preferable and computer skills required. Knowledge of Epic Registration and other Epic tasks is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Ability to sit, stand, or walk, and occasionally reach for prolonged periods of time.