Histopathology Tech

Department of Veterans Affairs•Atlanta, GA

40d

About The Position

This position is part of the Pathology and Laboratory Management Team, as such, works together with histology staff, supervisors, Clinical Pathologist, Laboratory Manager and Chief to maintain optimum laboratory operations for the accuracy and efficiency of patient testing services.

Responsibilities

Performs or requests specialized tests including histochemical and immune-histochemical stains and cytometry.
Evaluates and implements new equipment and orders supplies.
Photographs gross specimens and maintains and teaches collection of gross and microscopic photographs.
Investigates and resolves problems related to Surgical Pathology.
Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable.
Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained.
Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols.
Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments.
Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring.
Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.
Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures.
Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, medications) to verify results.
Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results.
Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the pathologist/physician.
Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system.
Processes specimen using equipment, instruments, or techniques that are necessary to prepare them for specific analysis; responds to time factors to ensure that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Requests new specimen if determined to be unusable.
Prepare reagents, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates results for a variety of complex tests.
Identifies unusual results or discrepancies/conditions which cause erroneous results: instrument malfunctions, conditions of test performance, reaction systems, and/or test procedures used. Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems.
Assists in the development, review, and update of protocols for new instruments and procedures.
Performs scheduled and as needed maintenance on instruments and documents actions.
Conducts testing required by external proficiency program.
Maintains continuing education credit hours as required.
Maintains compliance with directives of regulatory agencies (CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, and CLIA).Trains new personnel and assists in their incorporation to the section.
Assists lower- grade laboratory personnel as required.
Responds to supervisory request and instructions regarding work assignments, deadlines, and priorities; completes assignment within expected time limits.
Aids coworkers, supervisors, providers, and other medical center personnel regarding patient specimens, test methods, test results, interpretation, etc.
Consistently maintains courteous, respectful, and cooperative relationships with management, coworkers, patients, and the general public.
Displays a cooperative attitude and effectively works together to implement the organization's mission and goals.
Accepts change in tours of duty to provide continual patient services as deemed necessary by the Laboratory Chief.
Demonstrates compliance with current laboratory safety and infection control procedures.
Knows the fire drill and emergency plans for work area to include knowledge of location of fire extinguishers, manual pull stations, and fire plans.
Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, Federal Regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy.
Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc.
Uses the Veterans Health Information and technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System.
Other duties as assigned.