Cytology Technician Assistant - Laboratory

Summary:

Provide high quality and efficient service to patients through timely and efficient processing of cytology specimens and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

Cytology Assistant:

• Generates a daily log of patient tests ordered and assures that all tests have been performed. Consults with cytotechnologist on any questionable orders.
• Registers and accessions cytology tests and scans test results into the computer laboratory information system in an efficient, accurate, and timely fashion.
• Unpacks, accessions, stains, coverslips, labels, etc. cytology specimens. Maintains integrity of specimens. Assists cytology tech in processing techniques to include special stains.
• Assures integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements. Performs non-gyn specimen processing to include cell blocks.
• Consistently informs the supervising coordinator, or cytotechnologist, of all unusual or unexpected occurrences.
• Helps maintain inventory of supplies and prepares, dates, and properly labels reagents, chemicals, and controls as to kind and date of preparation.
• Maintains clean working area, cleans all equipment following procedures, checks for safety monthly, and maintains daily, weekly and monthly logs on instrument maintenance.
• Performs job responsibilities independently.
• Continuously practices universal precautions. Follows laboratory and hospital policies and procedures, and established safety procedures.
• Documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various licensing agencies and hospital regulations.
• Responsible for entering appropriate CPT codes and monitoring charges on a daily basis.

Histology Assistant:

• Assists pathologists during grossing procedure to include simple specimens like curettings, GI and cervical biopsies.
• Obtains specimens and dispenses critical information. Orients and trains others assigned to the grossing area as instructed by Director.
• Assists histology technicians in some histology techniques to include cover slipping and labeling. May progress to embedding procedures.
• Prepares reagents, solutions, and stains according to laboratory procedures. Maintains instruments per preventive daily maintenance schedule.
• Transports surgical specimens to histology department. Disposes of tissue in accordance with OSHA standards and regulations.
• Assures integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements. Accessions specimens in pathology information system.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation for safe routine operation of equipment.
• Troubleshoots labeling errors by communicating to physician offices. Maintains appropriate logs of specimens.
• Responsible for charging and monitoring charges on a daily basis.
• Performs job functions under the guidance of pathologists, laboratory director and histology technicians.
• Monitors and maintains an adequate supply of inventory items for grossing room.
• Continuously practices universal precautions according to hospital and department policies and procedures.
• Assists in resolving procedural problems with consultation. Reports appropriate results and problems to pathologists, histology technician, or Director.
• Documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various licensing agencies and hospital regulations.
• Unpacks, labels, and distributes histology supplies.
• Performs limited basic histology techniques including processing and staining.

Requirements:

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required, Associates Degree in Science preferred.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in the laboratory preferred.
• Ability to obtain and process cytology specimens and dispense critical information in accordance with section, laboratory, and hospital procedures and policies
• Must be organized and detail oriented
• Must be able to operate laboratory equipment and computer system
• Must read and write English and be able to communicate effectively
• Excellent telephone skills required
• Keyboard skills preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Not applicable

Work Schedule:

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time