Pathology Assistant I

General Description: Under direct supervision performs gross descriptions of simple or limited specimens. Assists during Autopsies. Prepares frozen section slides. May be required to perform routine histology tasks as well.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.

• Follows authorized technical procedures when performing patient testing.
• Meets turn-around-times established for testing and reporting patient results
• Receives specimens into laboratory using appropriate patient identifier and labeling requirements and receives them into the electronic medical record including registration of specimens from outpatients.
• Conducts calibration of instruments and equipment in the laboratory as well as routine maintenance.
• Labels tissue cassettes using block control sheets
• Assists in the preparation of frozen tissue sections (label, cutting and stain slides)
• Performs gross descriptions of simple and limited pathology specimens as authorized.
• Prepares patients for evisceration for post-anatomical diagnosis during autopsy
• Works on call for Autopsies.
• Photographs specimens for documentation and conference preparation.
• Complies with all hospital and laboratory safety policies and procedures including the appropriate us of PPE.
• Assumes responsibility of own professional development.
• Completes annual competency assessment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Associate's degree or higher required. Degree in Biological Sciences or related field preferred.

Experience: 1-3 years laboratory technical experiencerequired.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have the skills to perform required laboratory testing.
• Must be able to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Must be able to consistently and dependably report to work as scheduled.
• Must be able to maintain legible, accurate and organized records.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
• Must be able to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Must possess ability to understand various operations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work and communicate with co-workers and other caregivers, and meet their needs in a professional, polite, courteous, compassionate and cooperative manner.
• Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards establishing priorities and completing assignments.
• Ability to assist in the pre-analytical phase for specimen procurement, identification and proper specimen handling.
• Performs troubleshooting and technical problem solving.
• Ability to assess and verify the validity of patient test results, including identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.
• Core knowledge and understanding of normal laboratory processes.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.

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