Pathologists' Assistant

Job Description Summary

Under the direct supervision of the pathologist, accessions, processes and prepares tissue for pathologic evaluation. Assures total compliance with CAP guidelines during all procedures. Must handle biohazardous and infectious material while following proper safety precautions. Works cooperatively with all hospital and laboratory staff through verbal and written communications in order to resolve problems, exchange information, receive instructions, establish protocols, and process information concerning cases. Reports to the Pathology Manager

Job Description

1-Receives, logs–in, and assigns computer accession numbers to specimens (urines, body fluids, surgical pathology specimens) from nursing floors, outpatient drawing sites, off–site locations and operating rooms.
   a - Receives specimens into the Laboratory computer system

   b - Ensures correct and complete information is provided. Appropriately follows up, if not.

   c - Verifies upon receipt, that all samples are labeled according to laboratory policy.

2 -Processes specimens for pathologic evaluation
   a - Under the direct supervision of the pathologist, processes and prepares tissue for pathologic evaluation.

   b - Assists the Pathologist at frozen section examination, fixes, cuts and stains tissue to be examined by the pathologists.

   c - Maintains frozen section area to ensure properly supplied, clean and meets all infection control and safety policies and procedures.

3 - Packages, labels and sends out specimens

   a - Completes paper or electronic paperwork correctly. Checks for correct billing code and documents correct billing code.

b- Orders the appropriate specific test whenever processing an order for a miscellaneous test send out.
 

4 - Supports Histology Department, as needed.

   a - Monitors/ecords temperatures and documents all results, notifying supervisor of any out of range results.

   b - Maintains gross specimens in a well-organized, easily retrievable manner.

   c - Assists pathologists with digital photography and preparation for multi-disciplinary conferences in the hospital.

   d - Ensures proper disposal of wet tissue and chemicals according to department guidelines.
   e -Maintains work area and restocks supplies. Notifies supervisor of low stock.
 

5 - Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies for Universal precautions, Chemical hygiene and Safety procedures. When handling blood and /or body fluids, Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) will be utilized in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases.

   a -Wears labcoats, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
   b -Follows safety policies for dress.
   c -Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
   d -Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
   e - Cleans and disinfects work area according to established protocol, during and at the end of assigned shift.
   f -Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
   g -Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
   h - Knows location and procedure for spill kits.

  i - Maintains a neat, organized work environment.
 

6 -Technology- Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.
   a -Actively participates in the recommendation, and selection processes for technological advances,  solutions to work processes and practices of the department.
 

7 - Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through acknowledgement, adherence and demonstration  of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety. The employee is knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are both in the Laboratory. 
   a -Acknowledgement, adherence, and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety. The employee is knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are, both in the Laboratory and Hospital.
   b -Assists in providing quality patient care through the evaluation of proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria prior to performance of laboratory testing
 

8 - Reports to work station/assignment on schedule, ready to start and works entire sift as assigned, unless absence/tardiness/leaving work early is pre-approved, or appropriate notice for unscheduled absence is given to the employee's manager/supervisor.
 

9 -Demonstrates competence in assigned work areas according to section schedule.
   a -Consistently acknowledges, through documentation, changes to established testing procedures in all skilled areas.

   b -Completes competency assessments as assigned and within time required.

Minimum Education - Preferred

Associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology obtained from an accredited institution.

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum of 3 years previous experience in anatomic pathology department preferred.