Overview

Job Summary

Provides technical support to the Pathologists by: performing high volume, repetitive procedures in anatomical pathology; receiving specimens and requisitions; maintaining and operating highly technical automated instrumentation; responds to phone/verbal requests by the Pathologists according to standard operating procedures and performing clerical / computer duties as required. Performs other duties as required by Lab Management and the Pathologists to carry out the hospital’s mission. Works under the guiHistotech and Pathologists.

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

A. Performs, with proficiency, medical laboratory tests, procedures and analyses to provide data for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

1. Demonstrates acceptable understanding of established policies and procedures within the department as outlined in the procedure manuals and performs the procedures accurately and precisely

2. Demonstrates competency in performing the appropriate type and complexity of the laboratory services provided by Decatur Morgan Lab.

3. Receives specimens and verifies accurate identification and acceptability of samples.Maintains accurate and legible specimen accession log. Labels cassettes with appropriate accession number legibly and accurately. Processes cassettes in tissue processor at designated times and following established procedure.

4. Practices infection control procedures for protection of self, patients and others. Adheres to laboratory polices regarding safety, i.e., policies governing personal protection equipment and engineering controls and disposal of contaminated equipment.

5. Performs daily and routine maintenance as required and notes any corrective action taken or problems encountered. Documents any unscheduled maintenance and notifies supervisor about it.

6. Accurately embeds specimens in appropriate embedding media and orients each specimen according to established procedure. Using microtone, correctly cuts blocks and prepares slides according to established procedure.

7. Logs reagents as they are received and opened. Discards reagents and supplies at expiration dates and notifies supervisor. Rotates stock routinely to minimize waste. . Insures work area is well-stocked; notifies appropriate person when inventory levels are low.

8. Keeps work area clean, neat and disinfected daily.

9. Performs all required staining procedures accurately including required quality control. Correctly mounts stained slides using appropriate media. Labels all slides in accurate and legible manner.

10. Prepares reagents, stains, fixatives, etc., according to written protocols. Files and retrieves slide/blocks as needed.

11. Verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedures. Judges the adequacy of submitted specimens.

12. Regularly demonstrates the ability to coordinate a simultaneous series of tests with accuracy and demonstrates the flexibility to adjust schedule in response to Stat orders and fluctuations in patient workload. Organizes work so that procedures are performed within established turnaround times.

13. Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose an appropriate course of action.

14. Is proficient in all of the computer functions in the Meditech LIS and HIS necessary for performing the duties of a Histology technician.

15. Recognizes and immediately reports any computer malfunction to supervisory personnel or follows the established protocol for reporting and troubleshooting computer problems.

16. Strives to remain current with technology of the job and the profession by undergoing retraining, in-services, continuing education programs and independent reading and learning.

B. Follows required regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices:

17. Follows CAP and other regulatory guidelines governing acceptable practice and protocol for laboratory practices.

18. Is aware of Patient Safety Goals and strives to meet them.

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

Education: High School diploma or equilivant is the minimum requirement. Additional related course work at college or technical school, where skills learned include knowledge of anatomic, physiologic, pathological procedures and medical terminology is preferred.

Experience: Experience in histopathology, under the supervision of a histology technologists and pathologist is desired but not required.