Histology Lab Assistant, Second Shift

Wellstar Health System•Marietta, GA

10d

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Histology/Cytology Manager and direct supervision of the Cytology Coordinator, the Histology Lab Assistant enters patient information; prepares and processes cytology and/or pathology specimens; performs clerical and send-out duties; confirms and distributes completed surgical and cytology cases; files slides, blocks, and reports; retrieves tumor and consultation requests; and follows regulatory policies. The role maintains adequate department inventory, ensures specimens are stored properly, and discards them according to regulatory safety guidelines. The position registers and verifies patient and specimen information, investigates and documents identification or labeling discrepancies, prepares patient samples, and processes send-out tests and associated charges, packaging, and tracking. Depending on the facility, duties may include retrieving surgical specimens from operating rooms and GI labs and coordinating fetal disposition procedures with nursing staff, bereavement coordinators, and funeral homes. The assistant uses the Anatomic Pathology computer system and cytology instrumentation, maintains logs, checks pending specimens, and understands Copath histology billing. The role supports quality management by documenting and resolving quality issues, maintaining equipment, preparing reports and reference lab requisitions, and complying with applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Other duties may be assigned, and the employee must follow Wellstar policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least 1 year of job-related experience.
General knowledge of laboratory techniques and principles.
Ability to maintain and troubleshoot instruments.
Cytology and histology training.
Knowledge of histology and cytology safety regulations.
Anatomic Pathology computer training.
Absolute integrity in performing work.
Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
Good organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Register and accession patient and specimen information accurately in the Anatomic Pathology computer system.
Verify patient and specimen identification upon receipt and research and document identification or labeling discrepancies.
Prepare and process cytology and pathology patient samples.
Perform send-out duties, including entering charges, completing clerical and billing tasks, packaging, and tracking specimens.
Retrieve surgical specimens from operating rooms and GI labs at scheduled times, as applicable.
Accompany nursing staff and security to the morgue for fetal demise log-in, verify identification, and confirm required consent and examination forms are complete, as applicable.
Coordinate fetal disposition or cremation with nursing staff, the Bereavement Coordinator, and funeral homes, as applicable.
Retrieve and update accessioning and send-out logs in the laboratory computer system.
Enter send-out test and intraoperative consultation charges and apply knowledge of Copath histology billing, including frozen sections and OR consultations.
Check the pending log and confirm specimens are received daily.
Document and resolve quality control and assurance issues and inform the supervisor.
Perform and document department equipment maintenance checks.
Print patient reports and prepare accurate reference laboratory requisitions for consultation send-outs.
Maintain department inventory and ensure specimens are stored and discarded according to regulatory safety guidelines.
Follow applicable regulatory policies, including OSHA, CLIA, CAP, and JCAHO requirements, for safety and proper handling and disposal of chemicals and pathological waste.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with Wellstar policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.