Histology Lab Assistant

Kaiser Permanente•Denver, CO

39d

About The Position

Provides support to pathologist by performing and staining frozen sections, cassette printing, and case accessioning. Performs a variety of duties to support the Histology department such as specimen tracking, slide distribution, slide and block filing, instrument and stain line maintenance. The Histology Lab Assistants much possess strong attention to detail and have the ability to multi-task in a high stress environment.

Responsibilities

This position knows and complies with all Kaiser Permanente quality, safety and emergency policies and procedures. Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice in every interaction with patients, colleagues, providers and leadership. Ensures patient safety in the preparation and provision of care related to but not limited to medications, procedures, infection prevention, fall prevention, including consistent use of two patient identifiers and procedural time outs. Reports safety hazards, accidents and incidents, and unsafe working conditions promptly.
Scans surgical slides into Kaisers Laboratory Information System Module (LIS) to match to assigned pathologist. Distributes slides to appropriate pathologist at various facilities.
Proficient with computer systems and multiple software programs, as required, according to company and departmental procedures.
Performs frozen sections - cuts a variety of fresh frozen tissue onto glass slides and manually stains slides for preliminary diagnosis by pathologist.
Sets up and maintains manual stain line and automatic stain lines.
Proficient in the use and maintenance of various laboratory instruments including, but not limited to: cryostats, cold histobaths, automatic stainers, coverslippers, grossing stations, slide crusher, solvent recycler, etc.
Responsible for checking surgery schedule for minors and ambulatory surgeries. Identify which cases will require on-site pathologist involvement and prepare accordingly.
Performs touch preps on fresh tissue for Diff-Quik stain process and prepares FNA slides for adequacy tests.
Extensive knowledge of specimen collections processes and requirements. Prepares, packages and arranges for transport.
Work with body fluids, human tissue, and hazardous chemicals. Wears proper PPE when handling these materials.
Prepares specimen, appropriate paperwork and coordinates specimen release to patient and/or funeral home.
Clearly communicates collection instruction and testing requirements to internal and external clinicians and patients.
Receives specimens, accessions, organizes and prepares cases to be grossed by grossing technician or pathologist.
Files and disposes of slides and blocks according to department guidelines.
Pull patient lists and prepare slides in a timely manner for tumor board review and consultation.
Prepares slides, blocks and tissues for send outs if additional testing is required.
Maintains document control according to College of American Pathologists (CAP) regulations.
Accessions PAPs into tracking software and distributes to the Cytology department.
Answers and assists with routine telephone inquiries in a courteous and professional manner. Assists with ordering and maintaining supplies.
Successfully completes the required laboratory orientation, training and on-going education as assigned.
Interacts effectively with the supervisor, co-workers, pathologists, patients and other Kaiser Permanente staff in a courteous, professional and helpful manner that supports best practices in patient care.
Travels to other pathology sites to ensure proper coverage when necessary.
Conducts oneself in accordance with the principles of the Labor Management Partnership and the Bedrock Culture al Elements.
Other duties as assigned by laboratory manager.