Surgical Pathology Technician

Position Summary / Career Interest:

A Surgical Pathology Technician I receive and accessions all specimens for surgical pathology. Performs gross examinations of biopsies and small surgical tissue specimens and prepares frozen section slides for microscopic examination. Must have a basic understanding and knowledge of human anatomy/physiology and medical terminology, especially tissue part types. Must stay calm and organized in a high stress, fast-paced environment and have the ability to prioritize their work.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Accurately participates in preparing for JCAHO and CAP inspections.
• Accurately prepares, labels and stores reagents, standards, controls and patient samples for analysis.
• Answers the telephone and interacts with all customers using proper, courteous techniques, in compliance with hospital standards.
• Assists with frozen sections, including cutting, staining and cover slipping.
• Correctly registers patients in the hospital computer system and creates visits/encounters, when necessary. Accurately accessions specimens into the laboratory information system, utilizing two patient identifiers at all times, assigning the appropriate pathology part-type to trigger technical and professional billing. Properly labels all specimens with the case number and part type. Any error is unacceptable. Contacts physician offices to rectify missing patient information and/or improper labeling of specimens, and documents this appropriately.
• Dispose of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials, according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures.
• Has knowledge of specimen collection requirements for surgical pathology processing and analysis and understands when to direct questions to the appropriate pathologist or supervisor. Must apply critical thinking skills and prioritize work appropriately.
• Performs gross examinations of biopsies and small surgical tissue specimens. May perform gross examinations of larger specimens under direct supervision. Photographs all pertinent specimens, as requested.
• Performs inventory control to ensure for provision of adequate supplies and assures proper maintenance of equipment. Has the ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, tissue processors, automatic stainers, cryostats and cover slippers.
• Retrieves specimens from the OR, when necessary. Communicates with OR staff and surgeons to receive accurate information regarding the patient’s history, and what is being requested of the specimen(s). Relays this information to other technicians, PAs, residents and pathologists in surgical pathology.
• Uses and wears PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as necessary to perform job duties safely and minimize risk.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Biological science, healthcare or related field
• High School Graduate

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2 or more years experience in healthcare, laboratory specific experience
• ideal candidate will have experience in processing and accessioning of specimens, hospital/ laboratory information systems, data entry, ability to perform frozen section processing and support the gross processing of specimens.
• training and/or competence in medical terminology is preferred either through completed coursework or on-the-job experience.

Knowledge Requirements

• Must qualify as high complexity testing personnel as defined by CLIA 88 regulations.
  This includes at least 60 semester hours including a minimum of 24 semester hours of science courses with 6 semester hours of chemistry and 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.