Histology Assistant Job Listing at MedStar Health in Washington, DC (Job ID 160558)

Description

About the Job

General Summary of Position

Receives collects and processes pathology materials. Enters patient demographics and pathology details into the computer system. Assists with cutting and describing designated surgical specimens. Retrieves store discards and files pathology materials as required. Tracks all pathology materials to ensure complete chain-of-custody and accountability. Manages monitors and rotates inventory; documenting receipt/usage. Performs equipment maintenance calibration and QC and coordinates vendor repairs as needed. Provides office/administrative support as required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives specimens enters demographic information into the system including facts relating to the type of biopsy or surgical specimen received number of tissue specimen received and makes comments regarding the condition of the specimens. Performs preliminary setup for the specimens prior to grossing of the specimen (including labeling adding of fixatives and sorting).
• Describes specimen types and prepares same for histological examinations. Assesses appropriateness and adequacy of specimens received and accuracy of clinical information provided. Rejects specimens that do not meet guidelines for acceptability.
• Performs maintains and documents quality control preventive maintenance and as-needed/reparative maintenance of equipment and materials for the entire department including the morgue. Calls attention of Anatomic Pathology lab leadership to out-of-range results. Orders laboratory supplies and maintains supply inventories as directed. Records and dates supplies as they come in and as they are put to use.
• Verifies accuracy of patient information and enters specimen data into the computer system. Supports Pathology office and maintains required records reports statistics and files as directed. Performs send out testing to reference laboratories and shared testing to other MedStar hospitals. Monitors pending log and mails reports as needed. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
• Documents and investigates quality assurance problems and makes referrals to appropriate personnel as needed. Reviews specimen identity investigates discrepancies generates appropriate reports and submits corrections.
• Decontaminates counter surfaces instruments and general work area according to laboratory protocol. Maintains a clean orderly work environment regarding safety and biohazardous conditions. Reports unsafe or hazardous conditions.
• Retrieves specimens as directed and takes them to the laboratory for analysis using appropriate or specified equipment for collecting and handling specimens. Logs specimens into the laboratory. Bags files and retrieves pathology materials; discards surgical specimens as necessary.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• High School Diploma or GED required or
• Two years of College completed Related science field. preferred
• May require up to l year of technical or other specialized training. preferred
• 12-25 college credits in science including biology chemistry or organic chemistry preferred

Experience

• From six to twelve months experience preferred
• One year of relevant professional-level work experience may be substituted for one year of required education.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Requires the ability to read and write; and knowledge of grammar and arithmetic including fractions and decimals
• Requires the use of standard office/medical equipment (i.e. typewriter personal computer data terminal on-line printer calculator telephone facsimile copier sterilizing equipment blood pressure cuff or tables); the preparation comparison or checking of reports records and related data; and basic use of formulas charts tables drawings and knowledge of their application.
• Must have solid understanding of laboratory processes and specimen integrity.