LAB TECHNICAL ASSISTANT I - ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY, WDL; FULL TIME - 1ST SHIFT

1. Completed competencies for 2 benches is required for LTA I.

• Accessioning (Histology and/or Cytology)
• Case Assembly
• FNA and cytology processing/or Frozen Sections
• IHC

2. Consistently receives, accepts and recognizes specimens that arrive in the lab, checking for proper identification and specimen transport condition. Accurately accessions specimens and selects paper work necessary to maintain identification, creates worksheets, recognizes STAT specimens and handles them according to protocol.
3. Properly disposes of signed out specimens and placentas. Uses Cerner to pull an accurate list with the appropriate dates of specimens to dump. Follows laboratory procedure for the disposal of biohazard specimens including proper labeling of boxes and adherence to weight limits.
4. Utilizes appropriate procedures for tissue processing. Programs, operates, and maintains tissue processors, including rotating or changing solutions and paraffin in a timely manner. Monitors and documents instrument performance, checks and recognizes malfunctions and identifies the need for service.
5. Expeditiously collects and sorts slides into racks in ascending order for transfer and staining.
6. Performs daily operation, programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting of autostainer per standard operating procedures. Changes or rotates solutions daily or as often as needed. Runs control slide after changes. Records all performance and maintenance actions on laboratory QA/QC checklists.
7. Performs daily operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of auto coverslipper per standard operating procedures. Records all performance and maintenance actions on laboratory QA/QC checklists. Expeditiously coverslips slides manually if coverslipper malfunctions.
8. Maintains/services instruments and equipment according to established protocols. Demonstrates the ability to operate or use instruments for intended purpose. Monitors and documents instrument performance and checks/recognizes malfunctions and identifies the need for repair. (processors, cassette printers, cryostat, etc.) Able to revalidate equipment after repair.
9. Labels slides with correct printed labels. Checks slides against worksheet for accuracy and makes changes necessary in Cerner. Locates original frozen section slides and touch prep slides and checks that name, date, case number, and subnumber match the permanent slides. Adds frozen section slides and touch prep slides to permanent slides for distribution. Verifies distribution time in Cerner and distributes slides to appropriate resident or pathologist.
10. Properly orders, packages and distributes cases in time for scheduled courier pick up times (Midwestern, Methodist, Derm, etc.). Properly verifies all cases/slides being distributed.
11. Communication/Customer Services: Communicates well both verbally and in writing. Shares information and ideas with others and utilizes good listening skills. Handles customer and co-worker inquires and follows through positively and appropriately on inquires, requests and complaints. Informs supervisor of problems or concerns as they occur.
12. Files all blocks that are kept in histology. Organizes all blocks that are sent back to outside/partner facilities.
13. Unpacks supplies and stocks shelves as needed. Inventories department stock and informs leadership of supply shortages.
14. Participates in and successfully completes all competency assessments/challenges specific to this position. Records documenting and substantiating competency and/or improvement plans are maintained by the specific department.
15. Assists in organizing and maintaining the Histology slide file room. Knows where to obtain slides that are ready for return to the slide room. Accurately files paraffin blocks and slides in numerical and sub label order. Retrieves blocks and slides from file by request. Keeps an accurate record of all transactions and updates databases as necessary. Determines when to transfer materials to offside storage facility and labels the slide and block storage container for the transfer. Updates the computer storage log when transfer is complete. Ensures that empty slide trays and boards are readily available at all times.
16. Operates a cryostat with correct settings, temperatures, alignments and knife angles to insure optimum sectioning. Replaces blades as necessary. Determines block orientation and facing in order to obtain a representative section. Correctly labels slides with appropriate information. Freezes and cuts tissue and produces acceptable slides in the allotted time frame. Labels chucks appropriately to track specimens throughout entire process. Recognizes and evaluates instances in which a specific tissue requires deviation from standard procedures in order to insure that a diagnostic section is produced. Cleans and disinfects cryostat and rotates or changes stains as needed.
17. Coverslips slides manually or with automated coverslipper, with minimal artifacts or air bubbles.
18. Performs applicable individually assigned duties in a concise and orderly manner (these may include inventory, waste disposal, stocking supplies, etc.).
19. Regularly maintains a clean and safe work environment including disinfecting instruments, counters, work surfaces, refrigerators, and equipment and documents these actions on laboratory QA/QC checklist. Stores and discards samples following proper protocols. Safely handles sharps. Uses safe handling practices when working with chemicals/solvents.
20. Assists with the completion of competency assessments and successfully completes all competency assessments/challenges specific to this position. Records documenting and substantiating competency and/or improvement plans are maintained by the specific department. Actively participates in training new Anatomic Pathology Assistants as needed and completes all necessary training documents and competencies.