Surgical Pathology Tech

Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Pathology Manager and in accordance with established policies and procedures performs various complex surgical/anatomical procedures in one or more of the surgical/anatomical laboratories of the Pathology Department. Prepares surgical and post-mortem specimens of human body tissue and body fluids for microscopic evaluation by a Pathologist and prepares surgical specimens for ultrastructure or immunohistochemical examinations as requested. Assists manager in maintaining quality control in developing new procedures in troubleshooting instrumentation and lab related problems in all sections of surgical pathology.

Responsibilities:

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consistently applies the corporate values of respect honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health system.Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Lifespan Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.

1.Performs routine and non-routine histochemical immunohistochemical and/or electron microscopic specimen preparation in accordance with established policies and procedures.Prepares specimens for microscopic evaluation by processing embedding in paraffin or plastic sectioning with a rotary microtome or ultra microtome mounting onto glass slides or grids and staining with the proper chemical solutions.

2.Performs routine and non routine digital pathology duties to include preparing slides for scanning and reviewing and editing scanned slides in the image management system in accordance with established policies and procedures.

3.Prepares frozen section chemical dyes and solutions decalcifies bone specimens maintains control logs and other related duties as assigned.

4.Utilizes advanced knowledge to prepare histochemical enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques as needed.

5.Prepares and determines suitability of solutions reagents and stains following stand laboratory formulas and procedures.

6.Maintains equipment and troubleshoots equipment problems to include microtomes autostainer coverslipper and tissue processor.

7.Performs antibody dilutions for all immunohistochemical and immunoflourescent stains.May develop new stains and new methods.

8.Operates the electron microscope and photographic equipment in order to obtain electron micrographs.

9.Utilizes advanced knowledge in order to function as a technical resource person for the histotechnicians histotechnologists and electron microscopists.

10.Assists manager in monitoring and maintaining laboratorys quality control standards. Performs gross and microscopic examination of prepared histology and electron microscopic slides checking orientation and angle of specimens staining quality and tissue adequacy. Identifies unsatisfactory slides and takes corrective action. Obtains and evaluates control material utilizing histologic immunohistochemical and electron microscopic techniques and microscopic examination.

11.Assists in the evaluation of new products reagents and procedures in the various areas requested by the manager.

12.Rotates to each specialty lab as requested or assigned by the manager.

13.Assists in the instruction of students and residents and in the orientation of new employees to an assigned laboratory section.

14.Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment glassware workbenches etc.

15.Completes special projects as assigned.

Other information:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

The level of knowledge generally associated with a Bachelors Degree.

National Certification (or eligible) in HT HTL EMSA or Immunohistochemistry by ASCP or equivalent.

Knowledge of all areas of surgical/anatomical pathology to include histochemistry enyme histochemistry immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy in order to prepare specimens for microscopic evaluation.

Analytical ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and quality control problems; to evaluate new procedures.

Ability to accurately to prepare dilutions for immunohistochemistry.

Ability to manipulate and mount microscopic tissues and sections onto slides and/or grids and to operate an ultra microtome rotary microtome and cryostat.

Ability to perform gross and microscopic examination of histologic slides for quality control purposes.

Interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with each section as needed as well as with pathologist and residents and fellows.

Ability to remain flexible in each of the specialty areas in one or more of the surgical/anatomical laboratories.

Ability to stand lift and carry supplies for storage and utilization and to work at the laboratory benches.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

At least two years experience in surgical pathology laboratory with progressively more responsibility and experience in histology neuropathology immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Works in a laboratory environment where there is exposure to odors infectious materials toxins highly flammable solvents and solutions and other hazardous substances.

Exposure to visual strain from cutting blocks.

Works with tissue and specimens capable of transmitting disease chance of illness or injury is minimized by adherence to established work and safety procedures.

Work environment requires a great deal of standing walking lifting carrying and pushing.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Performs independently within the departments policies and procedures. Refers specific complex problems to the supervisor hen clarification of departmental policies and procedures are required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None