What are the responsibilities and job description for the Histology Laboratory Assistant position at Kaiser Permanente?
Job Summary:
Provides administrative assistance and logistical support to Histology Laboratory through a general understanding of Surgical Pathology Laboratory Operations and regulatory requirements.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Prepares cases to be grossed-in in the Histology laboratory, accessions cases, checks tissue-examination forms and specimens for completeness and accuracy, and labels specimen cassettes and slides with 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 and 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 and hematopathology cases, etc.).
- Communicates with medical, clinical and technical staff at other laboratories and medical centers concerning specimen inquiries, problems, and investigations.
- Assists Histology in the assurance that all departmental copies of reports and necessary tissue blocks and slides are maintained in chronological/numerical order and according to appropriate storage requirements.
- Files and maintains microscope slides and paraffin blocks of surgical pathology cases.
- Follows instrument and equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Maintains records of actions. Attempts to troubleshoot malfunctioning instruments or equipment, referring major problems to the supervisor or designee.
- Prepares stains, performs and documents all QC on stains and reagents in accordance to regulatory requirements.
- Assists the pathologists in fine needle aspiration procedures. Prepares and maintains related reagents and stains.
- Performs duties in compliance with laboratory safety and infection control practices. Wears protective equipment as required.
- Recycles chemicals for re-use in the Histology Department and disposes of biohazardous waste according to company policies.
- Assists material handlers to maintain adequate inventory of clerical and laboratory supplies. Orders supplies for reference lab tests and maintains them by expiration date. Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Presents a professional appearance and manner to all patients and co-workers.
- Shuttles specimens, and papers between the Histology laboratory and pathology offices.
- Assists supervisor with the orientation and training of new employees.
- Performs other related duties as directed.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
- Minimum one (1) year of previous work experience in a Histology Laboratory required.
Education
- 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.
- High School Diploma OR General Education Diploma required
License, Certification, Registration
- N/A
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge of medical terminology and routine laboratory collection and testing procedures required
- Knowledge and understanding of infection control and aseptic technique required.
- Knowledge of Human Anatomy required.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills required.
- Demonstrates skills in organizing and prioritizing required.
- Ability to organize and assimilate data independently required.
- Attention to detail required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software preferred.
Salary : $27 - $40