Anatomic Pathology Support Technician Histology-

University Hospitals•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Anatomic Pathology Support Technician processes, describes, and dissects small tissue specimens and prepares slides for rapid diagnosis. The role receives, registers, and interprets medical information, enters data, and assesses specimen integrity. It requires critical thinking and decisive judgment to identify microbiology and/or cytology specimens, fixed histology tissues, and fresh intraoperative specimens requiring adequacy assessment by a pathologist. The technician prepares assessments, including touch preparations, frozen sections, and staining, and performs specialized patient-testing preparation and data entry. The position also maintains equipment and supplies and handles receipt, distribution, and return of patient pathology slides within the UH system. Participation in the regional float pool is required as needed. The technician provides service to clients, patients, and hospital divisions; answers phones, reports results, and assists clients; registers and accessions surgical and cytology specimens while maintaining turnaround time and specimen integrity; sections tissue samples and stains slides for frozen-section histological diagnosis; and assists with laboratory support functions. The position requires excellent analytical and communication skills because information provided to clients, clinicians, and hospital divisions can directly affect patient care. The technician performs other duties as assigned, complies with applicable policies and standards, and follows departmental documentation provided during orientation. The role must comply with requirements for protecting and securely maintaining patient protected health information (PHI), including annual training, the UH Code of Conduct, and UH policies and procedures.

Requirements

High school equivalent or GED required.
At least 2 years of experience in a similar position, with demonstrated proficiency in the skills for that level.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Customer service skills.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Knowledge of pathology terminology.
Knowledge of pathology laboratory testing, including reflex pathways for anatomic pathology.
Excellent analytical and communication skills.
Ability to comply with patient PHI protection requirements.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in a science-related field.
Prior histology laboratory experience.
Previous medical laboratory experience.
Proficiency in laboratory equipment maintenance.
Proficiency with computer skills and knowledge of laboratory information systems.
Medical Lab Technician (MLT-ASCP) or MLT/HT certification.

Responsibilities

Process, describe, and dissect small tissue specimens and prepare slides for rapid diagnosis.
Receive and register specimens; interpret medical information, enter data, and assess specimen integrity.
Identify microbiology and/or cytology specimens, fixed histology tissues, and fresh intraoperative specimens requiring adequacy assessment by a pathologist.
Prepare assessments, including touch preparations, frozen sections, and staining.
Prepare and enter data for specialized patient testing.
Provide service to clients, patients, and hospital divisions; answer phones, report results, and assist clients.
Register and accession surgical and cytology specimens while maintaining specimen turnaround time and integrity.
Section tissue samples and stain slides for frozen-section histological diagnosis.
Assist with laboratory support functions and perform miscellaneous duties.
Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies as needed.
Receive, distribute, and return patient pathology slides within the UH system.
Participate in the regional float pool as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with policies, standards, and PHI protection requirements.