Pathologists' Assistant

South Shore Health System; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Technician to support the Pathology Department. In this role, you will be responsible for processing specimens, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. Your contributions will be vital in delivering quality patient care through meticulous specimen handling and processing. This position offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, where your skills will directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory operations. Join a team committed to excellence and patient safety in a dynamic healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Associate degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in anatomic pathology department preferred.

Responsibilities

• Processes and prepares tissue for pathologic evaluation under supervision.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization in the laboratory environment.
• Adheres to safety and laboratory policies consistently.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Specimen processing

Safety protocols

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in laboratory science

Job description

Job Description Summary

Under the direct supervision of the pathologist, accessions, processes and prepares tissue for pathologic evaluation. Assures total compliance with CAP guidelines during all procedures. Must handle biohazardous and infectious material while following proper safety precautions. Works cooperatively with all hospital and laboratory staff through verbal and written communications in order to resolve problems, exchange information, receive instructions, establish protocols, and process information concerning cases. Reports to the Pathology Manager.

Job Description

1. Receives, logs–in, and assigns computer accession numbers to specimens
   a - Receives specimens into the Laboratory computer system.
   b - Ensures correct and complete information is provided. Appropriately follows up, if not.
   c - Verifies upon receipt, that all samples are labeled according to laboratory policy.
2. Processes specimens for pathologic evaluation
   a - Under the direct supervision of the pathologist, processes and prepares tissue for pathologic evaluation.
   b - Assists the Pathologist at frozen section examination, fixes, cuts and stains tissue to be examined by the pathologists.
   c - Maintains frozen section area to ensure properly supplied, clean and meets all infection control and safety policies and procedures.
3. Packages, labels and sends out specimens
   a - Completes paper or electronic paperwork correctly. Checks for correct billing code and documents correct billing code.
   b - Orders the appropriate specific test whenever processing an order for a miscellaneous test send out.
4. Supports Histology Department, as needed
   a - Monitors/records temperatures and documents all results, notifying supervisor of any out of range results.
   b - Maintains gross specimens in a well-organized, easily retrievable manner.
   c - Assists pathologists with digital photography and preparation for multi-disciplinary conferences in the hospital.
   d - Ensures proper disposal of wet tissue and chemicals according to department guidelines.
   e - Maintains work area and restocks supplies. Notifies supervisor of low stock.
5. Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies
   a - Wears lab coats, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
   b - Follows safety policies for dress.
   c - Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.
   d - Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
   e - Cleans and disinfects work area according to established protocol, during and at the end of assigned shift.
   f - Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
   g - Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
   h - Knows location and procedure for spill kits.
   i - Maintains a neat, organized work environment.
6. Technology - Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.
   a - Actively participates in the recommendation, and selection processes for technological advances, solutions to work processes and practices of the department.
7. Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through acknowledgement, adherence and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety.
   a - Acknowledgement, adherence, and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety.
   b - Assists in providing quality patient care through the evaluation of proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria prior to performance of laboratory testing.
8. Reports to work station/assignment on schedule - ready to start and works entire shift as assigned, unless absence/tardiness/leaving work early is pre-approved, or appropriate notice for unscheduled absence is given to the employee's manager/supervisor.
9. Demonstrates competence in assigned work areas according to section schedule.
   a - Consistently acknowledges, through documentation, changes to established testing procedures in all skilled areas.
   b - Completes competency assessments as assigned and within time required.

Minimum Education - Preferred: Associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology obtained from an accredited institution.

Minimum Work Experience: Minimum of 3 years previous experience in anatomic pathology department preferred.