Histology Aide - Flagstaff Medical Center

Northern Arizona Healthcare•Flagstaff, AZ

About The Position

The Histology Aide collects, accessions, and assists in processing human tissue specimens. The role handles specimens at the initial stage, supports laboratory workflow, performs clerical and preprocessing duties, and communicates using a variety of tools. The aide uses chemicals and equipment for tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, special stains, and cytology preparation, following laboratory standard operating procedures. The role also performs pre-analytical specimen preparation and handles biohazardous and infectious materials while following appropriate safety precautions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Medical terminology experience or knowledge.
Ability to use computers and basic software programs.
Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for assigned roles.
Ability to handle biohazardous and infectious materials and hazardous chemicals while following safety precautions.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a histology laboratory.

Responsibilities

Assist the pathologist during examinations and frozen sections.
Prepare renal biopsies and cover-slip slides.
Prepare reagents for tissue processing and routine slide staining.
Prepare and stain cytology specimens.
Prepare specimens for pickup and for reference laboratories.
Discard tissue and fluids as needed.
Prepare cases for review by the pathologist.
Prioritize and organize daily assignments.
Receive specimens from other locations within the hospital and from other laboratories.
Stabilize specimens appropriately for transport to outside laboratories.
Log specimens, carefully matching paperwork and specimens to avoid errors.
Accession or register specimen information in Cerner and enter new tests into required ordering systems.
Look up and print patient orders in PowerChart; look up container details, including collector, collection date and time, log-in location, and instrument routing.
Modify specimen collection information and provide patient results when requested.
Monitor and manage pending lists, discuss pending work at shift change, and determine whether quick registration, full registration, or client billing is appropriate.
Log specimens into appropriate locations and relabel them using Cerner-generated labels.
Keep the processing area organized and sort specimens according to priority.
Print cassettes and prepare specimens for pathologist examination.
Operate and maintain tissue processors, centrifuges, computers, and the phone transfer system.
Change solutions in tissue processors and stainers; clean cytology and grossing stations; perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning; and maintain maintenance logs.
Use appropriate safety equipment and handle biological hazards and hazardous chemicals properly.
Report safety-related incidents promptly using the Midas/RDE tool, attend required safety training, work safely, and monitor the work environment for safety issues.
Comply with applicable state and federal regulations, statutes, company policies, and hospital and departmental policies.
Keep required certifications and licenses current, complete mandatory modules and job-specific training on time, follow chemical-handling and infection-control practices, and maintain assigned clinical competencies.