Surgical Pathology Technologist

Cleveland Clinic•Cleveland, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Pathology Technologist processes, describes and dissects small tissue specimens requiring independent medical judgment and minimal supervision, under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. The role prepares frozen section slides and specimens for rapid diagnosis and processing, performs data entry of patient and specimen information, and carries out general laboratory functions while maintaining equipment, supplies and records. The caregiver performs high-complexity laboratory testing in compliance with applicable procedures and regulations. Responsibilities include specimen handling and processing, test analysis and reporting, quality control and assurance, documentation, instrument maintenance, and addressing or reporting issues that could affect test performance or results. The position also processes special tissue studies, performs radiographs of gross specimens, prepares specimens for storage and transport, maintains specimen records, and helps instruct residents, visiting physicians, trainees and new caregivers. This is a day-shift position at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland, with a schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No weekends or holidays are required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology, from an accredited institution; OR a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and education and training equivalent to high-complexity testing personnel under CLIA.
Provide diploma and/or transcripts; education will be verified.
For education completed outside the United States, provide diploma/transcripts translated into English and proof of foreign equivalency from a NACES member.

Responsibilities

Identify, measure, weigh and describe tissue specimens using independent medical judgment and minimal supervision, under the direction and supervision of the pathologist.
Perform high-complexity laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintenance of patient test-result records.
Maintain regulatory knowledge relevant to assigned duties.
Follow laboratory quality-control policies and document quality-control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance.
Take responsibility for quality-control or quality-assurance issues relevant to assigned duties.
Maintain instruments and equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
Maintain clear and legible records and follow good documentation practices.
Perform proficiency testing in compliance with CLIA regulations, including appropriate sample analysis, documentation, reporting and record retention.
Follow established laboratory policies and procedures when test systems are outside acceptable performance levels.
Identify issues that may adversely affect test performance or result reporting, correct them when appropriate, or immediately notify the General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor, Clinical Consultant or Laboratory Director.
Recommend solutions and improvements.
Document corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Process special tissue studies according to protocol, including muscle, nerve, kidney or lymphoma studies.
Prepare frozen sections for rapid diagnosis and prepare specimens for processing.
Receive tissue specimens, assign accession numbers, distribute specimens according to protocol, enter patient and specimen data, and complete quality-assurance documentation for requisition, specimen and processing problems.
Perform radiographs of gross specimens.
Prepare specimens for storage and transport, process specimens, and maintain specimen records.
Assist with instruction of residents, visiting physicians, technical trainees and new caregivers in surgical pathology techniques and procedures.