Surgical Pathology Technologist

Cleveland Clinic•Cleveland, OH

2d•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 for rapid diagnosis and prepares specimens for processing, storage, and transport. It also includes patient and specimen data entry, general laboratory functions, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, supplies, and records. The caregiver performs high-complexity laboratory testing in compliance with applicable procedures and regulations, maintains quality control and quality assurance documentation, and follows protocols for specimen handling, processing, testing, reporting, and recordkeeping. The position works a day/evening rotation from 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland.

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 plus education and training equivalent to high-complexity testing personnel under CLIA.
Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided; 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.
Manual dexterity and visual acuity when handling gross specimens and using instrumentation.
Ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous materials, and other hazardous materials.
Visual acuity to study specimens under a microscope and ability to distinguish colors.
Ability to sit or stand extensively, walk frequently, and occasionally lift or carry 5 to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

Identify, measure, weigh, and describe tissue specimens using independent medical judgment and minimal supervision, under the direction and supervision of a pathologist.
Perform high-complexity laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining patient test-result records.
Maintain regulatory knowledge relevant to job duties.
Follow laboratory quality-control policies and document quality-control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance.
Address quality-control or quality-assurance issues relevant to job 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.
Follow established policies and procedures when test systems are outside acceptable performance levels.
Identify problems that may 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 when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Process special tissue studies, including muscle, nerve, kidney, or lymphoma studies, according to protocol.
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, technology trainees, and new caregivers in surgical pathology techniques and procedures.
Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and records.
Follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment as required.