Biopsy Technician-Woodward/Anatomic Pathology

TriCore Reference Laboratories•Albuquerque, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Examine section, dictate and prepare human surgical specimens for continued processing in the Histology lab. Specimens may include a variety of different types of tissue and often represent worrisome lesions where the differential diagnoses include cancer and other life-threatening and life- altering disease states.

Requirements

B.S. /B.A. degree in a laboratory science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or relevant science)
No experience required
Demonstrated proficiency with basic computer programs including laboratory information system, Office, dictation software.
Demonstrated ability to recognize different tissue types as well as the knowledge of basic anatomic orientation and medical terminology.
Able to correctly section wet tissue, examine relevant features and effectively dictate findings.
Demonstrated knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology; maintain proficiency with regulatory requirements and best practices, including: HIPAA, handling of biohazardous human tissue specimens, chemical hygiene, and sharps safety.
Demonstrated working knowledge of Histologic processes apart from prosection: accessioning, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining.
Must be able to work weekends, holidays, or extra or varied hours as required by the work demands.
Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization.
Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a PPD test conducted.

Nice To Haves

ASCP HT/HTL Certification
Completion of a course in medical terminology

Responsibilities

Interpret requisition, especially patient clinical history, to triage specimens by type and complexity. Biopsy techs will be limited to handling specimens which are submitted entirely for microscopic examination, unless directly supervised by a pathologist.
Examine tissue specimens for anomalies, dictating detailed descriptions for pathologists.
Spatially orient tissue specimen correctly.
Determine appropriate procedure for sectioning tissue for microscopic examination.
Section tissue appropriately, applying inks differentially to convey margins.
Carefully describe lesions with respect to sample margins, dictates assignment of ink colors, critical measurements and other features according to established procedures.
Determine appropriate tissue processing protocols based on tissue type and individual specimen, as well as any additional special handling procedures.
Prioritize work tasks for efficient and timely preparation of specimens.
Perform routine procedures for QC/QA.
Prepare reagents and monitor for quality and consistency.
Complete housekeeping, inventory and ordering supplies for this station.
Cross-train in other areas if required by the department.