Grossing Technologist

University Hospital, Newark NJ•Newark, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of the Grossing Technologist (Surgical Pathology) position is to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists. This involves receiving, identifying, accessioning, and documenting specimens ensuring proper labeling, prior to dissecting, measuring, describing biopsy and large tissue specimens before they are processed for histology. Performs routine and special laboratory staining procedure, mounting and labeling of tissues related to surgical pathology, including frozen section preparation, sectioning of fresh surgical tissue for frozen section, utilizing the cryostat, maintain divisional supplies; and maintains frozen section supplies ready for immediate use, assists in routine and specimen functions according to Departmental and Hospital policies and procedures, under the direction of the Surgical Pathology Medical Director and Chief Technologist of Anatomic Pathology and/or designee. Maintains daily and monthly QC reports. Responsible for labeling and disposal of biohazard waste in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. Also performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a Hospital laboratory related science required.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform job duties.

Nice To Haves

Three (3) years of related laboratory experience is preferred.
One (1) year of which should be in a health care environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Service provided is patient centered. Actively contributes to creating a friendly, welcoming, and safe environment for UH customers; communicates clearly to ensure understanding; responds to complaints and concerns by resolving issues immediately whenever possible; organizes work process to accommodate customer needs, including internal customers and co-workers; meets or exceeds customer expectations for service; acts as a role model for Service Excellence; maintains professional composure in the workplace; works effectively with team to ensure customer service scores meet/exceed targets; demonstrates respect for patient rights.
Responsible for specimen pick-up, receipt and acceptance and/or rejection as per department policy; enters all specimen requests into the Laboratory Information System; monitors, verifies, and resolves all patient identity and specimen integrity problems; matches patient identification on requisition vs. specimen label; assigns consecutive accession number.
Notifies clinicians, nurses, residents and Chief Technologist about any specimen discrepancies and documents deficiency and resolution; prepares all reagents necessary for cryostat processing, fixing, staining, and mounting frozen section specimens; prepares demographic information for new registration and submits to Admitting.
Prepares tissue cassettes with accession numbers and describes gross anatomic features with pathologist(s); dissects surgical tissue specimens and prepares tissues for processing; processes tissue specimens by placing them on tissue processor; escalates non-routine complicated specimens as needed.
In collaboration with the pathologist(s), prepares frozen section tissue and biological specimens for specialized analysis; performs sectioning, fixing, staining, mounting, labeling, and special procedures; photograph of pertinent specimens.
Utilizes Anatomic Pathology LIS for printing working drafts, accession logs, and slide label; assists in LIS data collection; responsible for completion of all quality control and maintenance charts/logbook; maintains supplies; performs cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Triages all specimens and processes based on priority; prepares formalin fixative; responsible for storage of surgical specimens as per CAP guidelines; handles send-outs, EPIC use, packaging, courier coordination, registration, accessioning, and labeling.
Follows all safety regulations and universal precautions; responsible for labeling and disposal of biohazard and chemical waste; understands and adheres to compliance standards, policies, and regulations; keeps abreast of changes; performs other related duties as assigned.