Cytotechnologist - Permanent

Job Title
Cytotechnologist
Duties
The duties and responsibilities of the Cytotechnologist are included but are not limited to the following:
Patient Slide Review and Result Reporting Duties (25%)

Performs highly specialized work with the responsibility for distinguishing various benign conditions from dysplasia/neoplasia and identifying a variety of infectious agents.
Examines a variety of specimens for cytological examination to include but are not limited to respiratory tract material, gastrointestinal material, urological material, body fluids, gynecologic smears, cerebrospinal fluid, and fine needle aspirations of various organs and body sites.
Examines and evaluates cell samples for the presence or absence of normal/abnormal, patterns, presence of microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, premalignant changes, neoplasms, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents.
Performs microscopic examination for abnormal cells or any objects of diagnostic significance and marks these cells or objects for review. Classifies any abnormalities according to established procedures and writes a screening cytology report to be given by the responsible pathologist.
Signs out Gynecological cases without pathologist review per VHA Handbook.
Statistical, Training, and Educational Duties (30%)

Maintains continuing education requirements and keeps abreast of the latest developments in the field of cytotechnology/cytology by reviewing current publications.
Maintains current CAP certification requirements by successfully completing the CAP PAP Examination annually.
Order supplies and maintain adequate inventory for uninterrupted service in the Cytology area.
Develops and tests quality control methods using statistical data where indicated.
Advises providers, ward and clinic personnel on proper specimen collection techniques. Communicates with providers, ward and clinic personnel when specimens are improperly submitted.
Maintains cytology slide files and handles slide request in-house and from outside facilities according to established procedures.
Prepares and maintains the cytology chemical inventory and reports them to the P&LMS Safety Officer.
Specimen Preparation and Staining (25%)

Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of the full range of nonroutine and specialized procedures/techniques using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
Makes professional decisions on the appropriate method of collection and handling of specimens including selecting the appropriate portion of the specimen for processing and the type of preparation method to be used.
Resolves discrepancies and calls wards/clinics/providers as needed. Reviews information provided on the requisition sheet and specimen container and determines if additional data is required prior to logging the specimen into the VISTA computer system.
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
Performs the duties of cytology specimen preparation and staining. Cleans and disinfects cytology areas and equipment.
Assists the clinician at bedside with the preparation of fine needle biopsy slides to determine immediate evaluation for adequacy.
Carefully monitors the processing and quality of all preparations. Conducts quality control checks on stains and reagents, making changes when necessary.
Adjusts, maintains, or repairs all cytology equipment. Determines need for repair or replacement of equipment.
Verifies proper instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks as necessary. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.
Disposes of biohazard material and biological specimens after determining proper disposal protocol.
Prepares fixatives, reagents, etc., as needed for specimen handling and cytology preparatory work.
Gross Tissue Exam Duties (20%)

Performs histopathology duties to include accessioning in specimens, filing slides or general assistance when necessary.
Report tissue description in the patient medical record.
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
Work Schedule : Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Cytotechnologist works on a regular basis through the appropriate clinical area(s). Also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed. Subject to change based on needs of the facility
Telework : not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 01684-F and 01685-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized