Lab Assistant - Pathology

Position Summary

Obtains Surgical Pathology specimens from Surgical Suites and deliver to the laboratory observing protocols and methods established by the Department of Laboratories, including the accessioning routine for proper identification and processing of such specimens.

Performs other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Includes the Following:

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors.
2. Accessions all in house and MLW surgical pathology cases, cytology cases, and autopsy cases in to the LIS using the proper prefix; making sure that all patient information is correct on the requisitions and the specimen containers.
3. Follow section protocol for specimen rejection for hospital and MLW cases.
4. Maintain clear and well defined records of specimen pick-ups in all specimen collection areas, as well as "No Specimen"

requisitions.

1. Prints Accession Log after each specimen collection round, discarding the previous log always is keeping the most current log.
2. Maintains Gross Room, Autopsy Suite, Block File Room, Gross Room instruments to be cleaned and in orderly condition.
3. Records temperature, cleaning records, and troubleshooting with proper documentation in the Histology Maintenance Log Book.
4. Maintains inventory of supplies/reagents within job description and order supplies/reagents accordingly.
5. Maintains stock supply of 10% buffered formalin, 95% alcohol, and 50% alcohol containers in Histology and Accessioning areas.
6. Maintains adequate storage of supplies in Histology storage areas (Autopsy Suite, and flammable cabinets). Supplies Alcohol, Xylene, 10% Buffered Formalin and other supplies which are stored downstairs to the Histology/Cytology department.
7. Performs used 10% Buffered Formalin Neutralization and records Quality Control per section protocol.
8. Maintains control of used Xylene for disposal in flammable cabinet and maintains a good stock of empty containers. Signs manifests for waste removal if trained and certified with DOT.
9. Dispose of specimens per section protocol and maintains up to date records of specimen disposal.
10. Pulls slides and/or blocks from storage files as needed.
11. Maintain Autopsy Suite in order, notifies Building Services as needed.
12. Downloads and prints cassettes for surgical pathology specimens as needed.
13. Lines up and verifies embedded paraffin blocks against block log for technologists to cut.
14. Performs labeling of surgical slides and distributes slides to assigned pathologists.
15. Files all Histology slides, paraffin blocks.
16. Prepare all specimens to be sent to the Reference Laboratories. Maintain stock inventory of all Reference Laboratory requisitions, supplies, kits used in the Histology Lab as needed. Follow section protocols for patient's insurance and LIS documentation.
17. Forward patient billing information to reference lab on specimens which were handled from previous evening, weekend and/or holiday
18. Registers MLW pathology specimens as needed.
19. Prints end of day Histology block log.
20. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

• • High School graduate or GED.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Previous histology/cytology experience or previous experience in a healthcare environment preferred.

Core Competencies

Flexibility Organized Adaptability Attention to Detail Stress Tolerance
Physical/Mental Demands/Requirements & Work Environment

• • May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital's SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data base and may be accessed through the hospital's Intranet site (Employee Tools/SDS Access). A copy of the SDS data base can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.
  • Must be able to move about the department and hospital constantly.
  • Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods of time.
  • Requires frequent use of computers and other office equipment.
  • Must be able to reach above head and bend down to retrieve and put away supplies
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs.

Primary Population Served

Check appropriate box(s) below:

• Neonatal (birth - 28 days)

• Patients with exceptional communication needs

• Infant (29 days - less than 1 year)

• Patients with developmental delays

• Pediatric (1 - 12 years)

• Patients at end of life

• Adolescent (13 - 17 years)

• Patients under isolation precautions

• Adult (18 - 64 years)

• Patients with cultural needs

• Geriatric (> 65 years)

• All populations

• Bariatric Patients with weight related comorbidities

• Non-patient care population

The responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.

Salary Range: $39,000.00 - $58,488.64 (based on full-time employment)