pathology technician

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Cambridge, MA

2d•$27 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Pathology Technician works under the general supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Manager or designee. The role performs specimen accessioning, reconciliation, validation, handling, and processing tasks for anatomic pathology and cytology specimens in accordance with laboratory practices and standard operating procedures. The technician may also document safety and quality-control information, manage supplies, dispose of waste, and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and work areas. With appropriate qualifications and training, the technician may process simple biopsies that do not require knowledge of anatomy, documenting the count, color, appearance, and size under direct Pathologist supervision. The technician may also prepare cytology specimens collected through needle aspiration, endoscopic washing or brushing, cervical/vaginal/anal sampling, and body-cavity fluids. The position includes laboratory maintenance, specimen receipt and accessioning, assigned specimen processing, slide distribution, supply management, and safety tasks. Work takes place in a fast-paced hospital laboratory and involves exposure to infectious disease and potentially carcinogenic chemicals, prolonged standing and walking, time deadlines, repetitive data entry, fine manual tasks, protective equipment, power tools, and heavy equipment. The role requires the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Requirements

Associate degree in chemical or biological science, or medical laboratory technology, from an accredited institution; alternatively, qualifying equivalent education or training as described in the posting.
For the alternative education route: 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution, including 24 semester hours of science courses, with 6 semester hours each in chemistry and biology and an additional 12 semester hours in biology, chemistry, or medical laboratory courses.
For the alternative education route, laboratory training must include either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by ABHES, NAACLS, or another HHS-approved organization, or at least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high-complexity testing.
Clear communication skills.
Ability to multitask and work across multiple department areas performing varied tasks.
Ability to use electronic laboratory software.
Ability to perform complex analytic tests and interpret findings.
Ability to identify problems in a process.
Ability to adapt to change and work in a rapid-paced environment while maintaining high-quality, efficient service.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to perform work requiring prolonged standing and walking, repetitive hand movements, visual concentration at a video display terminal, and fine manual dexterity.

Responsibilities

Perform general laboratory maintenance, including transporting specimens and associated documentation, filing blocks and slides, handling and disposing of hazardous waste, maintaining a clean work environment, disinfecting work areas daily, answering telephone calls, assisting the Pathology Navigation team, and supporting Pathologist Assistants, Cytotechnologists, and Pathologists with inquiries.
Complete required hospital educational modules and participate in appropriate continuing education.
Receive, verify, and accession incoming pathology and cytology specimens in the laboratory information system; order appropriate specimen protocols when needed.
Inspect specimen packaging and containers, verify specimen labels and requisition, attestation, and electronic order documentation, and identify inaccuracies, discrepancies, errors, mishandling, or missing specimens.
Document and communicate identified specimen errors, notify supervisory staff, complete required internal and external quality-assurance deviation forms, and initiate corrective action with the originating clinical service.
Perform assigned specimen-processing duties, including tissue processing, equipment start-up and troubleshooting, equipment loading and unloading, maintenance, quality-control functions, and maintenance of environmental temperature and quality monitors.
When assigned, process, prepare, and stain non-gynecologic cytology slides using methods such as ThinPrep, conventional smears, and cell blocks; prepare unstained slides and initiate staining for bone marrow specimens as applicable.
Participate in validation and implementation of specimen-processing procedures, methods, and equipment under management and Pathology Medical Director direction.
When assigned, electronically order and track specimen send-outs and coordinate additional send-out orders, including immunohistochemistry reference-laboratory orders, with Pathology Navigators.
When qualified and assigned, process simple biopsies and document count, color, appearance, and size under direct Pathologist supervision.
Offload and organize stained slides, ensure correct labeling, perform manual block checks against matching labeled slides, escalate abnormalities, and deliver completed slide trays to assigned Pathologists electronically and manually.
Monitor supply and reagent stock, coordinate stock monitoring with Pathology Assistants and Grossing Technicians, order supplies through the hospital electronic module, and store and restock supplies appropriately and promptly.
Follow safety policies and guidance, use required personal protective equipment, dispose of chemical and biological waste according to procedures, and respond appropriately to risk situations such as spills, chemical exposure, or fire.
Communicate with physicians, Pathologists, nursing staff, and ancillary services to resolve specimen-labeling and order issues.