Cytology Prep Technician

PathGroup; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

PathGroup is seeking a Cytology Prep Technician to prepare cytology specimens for microscopic analysis and to maintain accuracy in filing blocks, slides, and reports. You will perform routine lab tasks, handle specimen accessioning, and ensure proper documentation and QA practices within the Cytology lab.

The role requires strong communication skills, basic lab experience, and ability to follow SOPs and safety guidelines.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in medical field preferred.
• Laboratory experience preferred.
• Training in cytologic techniques is preferred but not required.
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine daily laboratory tasks as directed by management.
• Communicate with internal cytology customers and external departments via phone, email, or in person.
• Notify management of equipment failures or outliers.
• Accession specimens promptly and accurately.
• Process and concentrate specimens for testing.
• Handle T-2000 ThinPrep processing.
• Operate and maintain Slide Mate printer for slides.
• Stain slides and apply coverslips.
• Assemble cases for screening and distribute with proper paperwork.
• Document and forward slides to pathologists or departments as required.
• Deliver SEPA screened slides to pathologists.
• Monitor daily temperatures and adjust as needed.
• Maintain inventory and order lab supplies.
• Prepare stock reagents (e.g., alcohol dilutions).
• Dispose of waste and manage hazardous waste per policy.
• Maintain clean work area and perform equipment maintenance.
• Keep logs/records and ensure compliance with SOPs.
• Participate in meetings and training; support special projects.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Cytology Prep Technician will perform a variety of tasks related to the preparation of cytology specimens for microscopic examination, routine maintenance of the equipment used for duties such as specimen preparation and filing of blocks, slides, and reports.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for all routine daily laboratory tasks as communicated by management
• Communicate efficiently and cordially with internal customers (cytology) and with external customers (other departments, pathologists, clients, etc.) via phone, email, in‑person, etc.
• Notify manager immediately of any outliers or equipment failures
• Accession specimens in a timely manner
• Process and Concentrate Specimens
• T-2000 ThinPrep Processing
• Slide printing with Slide Mate Printer- operation, care, maintenance of Slide Mate
• Slide staining and coverslipping
• Assemble cases for screening
• Document and prepare according to procedure LCA paps received and distribute with appropriate paperwork, i.e. QA sheets, requisitions, patient paperwork, etc., to pathologists
• Document sending of slides to LCA, communicate with internal and external customers
• Deliver SEPA screened slides to pathologists
• Monitor and record temperatures daily at the start of shift. Make adjustments as necessary.
• Responsible for inventory control and ordering of supplies
• Prepare stock reagents as necessary (e.g., diultions of alcohol: 50%, 70%, 80%, 95%)
• Waste removal and/or tracking, handling and disposal
• Label, date, and store hazardous waste in flammable cabinet. Empy hazardous waste containers as directed by department manager.
• Maintain clean work area
• Clean and perform preventative maintenance on equipment
• Maintain logs/records
• Maintain safety standards and documentation of the Cytology lab according to guidelines and protocols.
• Monthly equipment/cleaning/staining/manintenance records and charts maintained on a daily, weekly, monthly basis as appropriate. Records and charts are given to the manager monthly.
• Perform procedures according to written policies and follow the prescribed quality control measures
• Read, understand and follow all applicable SOPs
• Attend and participate in department meetings, training, or developmental opportunities
• Special projects as assigned
• Other job duties as assigned.
• Perform all job responsibilities in alignment with the industry's best security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information and other sensitive company data.
• Must be familiar with and abide by the Corporate Compliance Program and all Corporate policies, including the Privacy and Security policies.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Work with other departments within PathGroup and subsidiaries.
• Nothing in the job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & LICENSURE:

• High School Diploma or GED is required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience within the medical field preferred
• Laboratory experience preferred
• Training in cytologic techniques is preferred but not required
• Excellent verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.