Job Summary

Preparation of surgical pathology specimens. General maintenance of the surgical pathology preparatory area, keeping a well-maintained and clean area at all times. Manages telephones for the receiving and grossing areas. Computer specimen entry-edit, requiring ability to concentrate in a busy area, and to comprehend and interpret medical information for computer entry with utmost accuracy. Computer functions related to patient entry to include clinical decision making on charging cases, registering patients in EPIC, CoPath entry, researching on-site patient history, (clinical, radiology exams, and prior treatment),correcting any incorrect information entered into the system. Often communicating with outside facilities or offices to collect incomplete patient information or collect patient history. Assisting the Pathologist and PA's with specimen dissection and cutting frozen section slides. Performing Digital slide scanning. Maintain QA/QC logs and the chemical recycle room.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: BS or BA in Natural Sciences or Equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: None
Substitutable Education & Experience: Bachelor's Degree can be substituted for 5 years of Clinical or Anatomic Pathology Lab experience.
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: Excellent computer knowledge and skills;
Interest and skills in biological sciences.

Essential Functions

• Manage storage and disposal of 20,000+ surgical pathology cases/60,000+ specimens yearly including: Receiving and accessioning of Surgical Pathology specimens from Endo, Hematology, OR and Outreach areas.
• Enter orders in EPIC and Copath (HIS and LIS) with utmost accuracy. Contributes to monthly QA to be maintained for the department.
• Accurately match and label specimen container with requisition for surgical number.
• Accurately label cassettes with surgical number.
• Maintain specimen deficiencies in the Copath.
• Maintain Breast specimen QA/QC logs in Excel.
• Prepare agar (makes agar and store, fill agar tubes for all heat blocks, black agar for all grossing areas.)
• Solutions/Fluids/Slide Preps: Prepare alcohol solutions 70%, 80%, 95% and keep stocked; also similarly for Hartman’s and Cryostat Fixative.
• Compile case histories for pending surgical cases.
• Discard specimens, on a rotating basis.
• Maintain schedules such as: Changing VIP solutions, disposing of hazardous chemicals in 55 gallon drums, recycling chemicals, neutralizing 10% formalin before disposal, etc.  (See written procedures.)
• Assist Pathologist and PA with specimen dissections and other requests as instructed.
• Acquire and maintain basic proficiency at histotechnology to produce basic frozen section slides, includes staining and coverslipping.
• Collect, transport and sort solutions for recycling (ethanol and xylene). Maintain efficient recycling habits while insuring the highest quality recycling products.
• Maintain recycling logs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Sort, transport and log chemical waste in accordance with the policies set forth by the Surgical Pathology Department.
• Scan slides for digital analysis.
• Perform assigned duties accurately, efficiently and effectively in a timely manner.
• Actively seek out other assignments when daily tasks are completed.
• Respond to telephone calls for frozen sections, specimen collection info, etc. Distribute collection supplies and guidelines.
• Contact physician’s offices or nursing staff for additional info concerning incomplete requisitions. Fill out paperwork for QA.
• Conform to Service Excellence Policy and “House Rules.”
• Maintain an optimistic and professional image and exhibit excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers. Show courtesy and respect.
• Run copies and distribute to appropriate locations.
• Maintain QA/QC charts in grossing area.
• Stock supplies such as gloves, containers, cassettes, etc. Continue to keep all areas stocked.  Distribute and store supplies when they arrive.
• Specimen management: tasks such as inventory and dispensation of “receipt only” gallstones, storage and environmental disposal of autopsy tissues and surgical specimens, etc.
• Keep a well maintained and clean area at all times.
• Supervisor will assign other duties as are required.
• Observe all hospital and department safety policies and practices.
• Ensure Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals are discarded, stored, and managed with other compatible waste streams in containers that are properly labeled and closed prior to being shipped offsite for proper disposal.  Initial RCRA training is received within 6 months of the hire date and continuing with annual RCRA training.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.