Overview

Job Summary:

Provides technical support to the Pathologists and guidance to the Histology department by:nperforming high volume, repetitive procedures in anatomical pathology; receives specimens and requisition; maintains and operates highly technical automated instrumentation; responds to phone/verbal requests by the Pathologists according to standard operating procedures and related duties that are necessary for the accuracy and completeness of the patient’s Pathology /Autopsy reports. Performs secretarial responsibilities and other duties as required by Lab Management and the Pathologists to carry out the hospital’s mission.

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. Takes responsibility for procedure manual updates.

2.      Demonstrates competency in performing the appropriate type and complexity of the laboratory services provided by Decatur General Lab. Provides technical direction and oversight to Histology Specialists as required.

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. Evaluates stains for appropriate reactions. Correctly mounts stained slides using appropriate media.

10.   Labels all slides in accurate and legible manner.

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

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

13.  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

14.  Applies knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and English language rules to transcription. Clarifies diction that is unclear or incomplete, seeking assistance as needed. Accurately compiles data for QI reports in a timely manner.   Assist pathologists in the preparation for Tumor Conference and other presentations.

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

16.  Mails, receives and tracks all consultation documents as necessary.

17.  Is proficient in all of the computer functions in the Meditech LIS and HIS necessary for performing the duties of a Histotech.

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

19.  Charges and/or credits procedures as needed.

20.  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

21.  Participates in training new employees. Follows required regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices

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

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

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

Education:  Graduate of approved Histotech program with HT or HTL (ASCP) registry certification. Skillslearned must include knowledge of anatomic, physiologic, pathological procedures and medical terminology.  Above average typing and computer skills desired

 Experience:

 Experience in histopathology, under the supervision of a pathologist, preferred.

Experience with dictating machines, computer, and word processing programs (prior

medical transcription /secretarial experience) is desired.