The Cytotechnologist (CT) plays an important role in the lab. The CT specialty performs laboratory procedures that aid in the diagnosis of diseases and conditions through the examination of tissue samples from the body The CT may have interaction with patients and members of their care team. The CT is a Bachelor degreed, credentialed individual who supports preanalytic, analytic and post analytic laboratory workflows. Responsibilities may include the following: 1) sample processing/aliqouting/accessioning; and 2) CLIA moderate and high complexity testing. Testing areas may include cytology, histology and molecular.

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Hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work at https://dayinthelife.unitypoint.org .

Pre-Analytic workflows

• Greets everyone with a pleasant and professional manner, using patient experience best practice guidelines (AIDET, 5/10 Rule and No-Point, etc).
• Identifies patients and samples using two patient identifiers by consistently following protocol for patient, sample, and aliquot identification and labeling.
• Assists with sample transport, receiving, processing, aliqouting, accessioning and delivery of specimens to testing areas.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer programs for patient identification, registration, registration work queues, order, and sample tracking.
• Utilizes supply items in a cost effective manner, recognizing when to reorder, and assisting with unpacking and/or restocking items.
• Achieves basic understanding of lab tests to answer patient questions in an easy-to-understand way.

Analytic workflows

• Performs CLIA moderate and high complexity testing in accordance with manufacturer specifications using good laboratory practice.
• Performs and demonstrates proficiency and accuracy in staining and screening PAP smears for the presence of abnormal and/or normal cells.
• Works closely with testing personnel with lab procedures/tests/training.
• Works efficiently with the workflow and workload by performing technical procedures within specified turnaround time.
• Assures that QA guidelines are strictly adhered to before reporting any laboratory result.
• Documents routine instrument maintenance and all necessary information in the performance of technical procedures, including QC.
• Troubleshoots and resolves instrument and equipment issues.
• Documents, reviews and writes technical procedures for department.
• Monitors technical practices to meet necessary standards, recommendations and requirements of voluntary and government agencies (CAP, TJC, CLIA).
• Strong knowledge of computer systems used on analyzers, Sunquest, PowerPath and EPIC

Post-Analytic workflows

• Follows appropriate reporting protocols including critical value reporting.
• Assists in maintaining records and specimen storage and disposal for the Cytology laboratory
• Able to review reports for errors.
• Understands the Quality Program Management system.

Committed Team

• Prioritizes work in the best interest of the patient, sharing the work with team members.
• Assists with training new employees and students, being helpful and supportive in their teaching.
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
• Attends department huddles, staff meetings and other required training.

Checks emails regularly for huddle minutes and important communications relevant to assignment.

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent prerequisite with Cytology Program completion.
• College or post-graduate laboratory experience
• Must be CT(ASCP) certified or eligible, certifying within 6 months of hire.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Technical Aptitude- ability to learn new systems quickly
• Medical Terminology
• Basic laboratory skills
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Decision making skills
• Planning and Organizing skills
• Problem solving
• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.