Provides administrative assistance & logistical support to Histology Laboratory through a general understanding of Surgical Pathology Laboratory Operations & regulatory requirements.
Essential Functions:
- Prepares cases to be grossed-in in the Histology laboratory, accessions cases, checks tissue-examination forms & specimens for completeness & accuracy, & labels specimen cassettes & slides w/ accession numbers according to varied specimen requirements.
- Assists processing of specimens for testing at the Regional Laboratory Histology Department.
- Follows established procedures for processing of patient samples. Determines the acceptability of specimens & acts on that information.
- Places orders for tests to be performed at reference laboratory (ex. Stone analysis, tick ID, flow specimens, send-out specimens for derm & hematopathology cases, etc.).
- Communicates w/ medical, clinical & technical staff at other laboratories & medical centers concerning specimen inquiries, problems, & investigations.
- Assists Histology in the assurance that all departmental copies of reports & necessary tissue blocks & slides are maintained in chronological/numerical order & according to appropriate storage requirements.
- Files & maintains microscope slides & paraffin blocks of surgical pathology cases.
- Follows instrument & equipment maintenance & troubleshooting procedures. Maintains records of actions. Attempts to troubleshoot malfunctioning instruments or equipment, referring major problems to the supervisor or designee.
- Prepares stains, performs & documents all QC on stains & reagents in accordance to regulatory requirements.
- Assists the pathologists in fine needle aspiration procedures. Prepares & maintains related reagents & stains.
- Performs duties in compliance w/ laboratory safety & infection control practices. Wears protective equipment as required.
- Recycles chemicals for re-use in the Histology Department & disposes of biohazardous waste according to company policies.
- Assists material handlers to maintain adequate inventory of clerical & laboratory supplies. Orders supplies for reference lab tests & maintains them by expiration date. Maintains a clean & orderly work area.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Presents a professional appearance & manner to all patients & co-workers.
- Shuttles specimens, & papers between the Histology laboratory & pathology offices.
- Assists supervisor w/ the orientation & training of new employees.
- Performs other related duties as directed.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
- 1 year of previous work experience in a Histology Laboratory required.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Graduation from a Medical Assistant Program; or equivalent training program; or completion of a minimum of 20 Credit Hours of Life Science classes at accredited university or college (Life Science Classes in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, or related field) required.
- Certificate of proper completion of a Medical Assistant Program or documentation of Life Science course credits required.
- Knowledge of medical terminology & routine laboratory collection & testing procedures required.
- Knowledge & understanding of infection control & aseptic technique required.
- Knowledge of Human Anatomy required.
- Effective interpersonal & communication skills required.
- Demonstrates skills in organizing & prioritizing required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software preferred.
External hires must pass a background check/drug screen.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.