Lab Assistant Per Diem - Histology

Tucson Medical Center; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Tucson Medical Center is seeking a Lab Assistant Per Diem in Histology. This role handles specimen receipt, sample prep, and basic testing under supervision, using LIS systems and Ventana Vantage software as needed. The position supports pathology workflows and ensures safe handling of specimens.

Responsibilities include logging specimens, labeling slides, coordinating with pathologists, and maintaining equipment and quality controls in a fast-paced histology environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1 month of related lab experience preferred.
• No licensure or certification required.

Responsibilities

• Receive biological specimens into the department and prepare samples for testing.
• Perform testing under supervision according to established policies.
• Maintain safe handling, storage and disposal of biohazardous substances.
• Log specimens into LIS and route to correct area.
• Assist with pathology/histology slide labeling and distribution to pathologists.
• Participate in quality control, safety and preventive maintenance programs.

Skills

Lab sample handling

Attention to detail

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Customer service

Reading & comprehension

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Ventana Vantage software

Job description

Lab Assistant Per Diem - Histology

Job Category: Allied Health

Schedule: Per Diem

Shift: 1 - Day Shift

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the receipt of biological specimens into the department, preparation of samples for analytical testing, and performing testing. This position reports to department supervisor and works closely with lab technical personnel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Exhibits excellence in customer service through appropriate attitude and interaction with all patients, visitors and staff.

Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication.

Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety and confidentiality policies and standards.

Performs basic technical processes as assigned, based on specific department requirements. Performs testing under direct supervision in a timely manner according to established policies, meeting performance standards and knowledge level determined for that testing.

Demonstrates an understanding of the computer systems used in the department. Generates work lists, as required.

Performs a variety of routine laboratory processes and procedures according to prescribed protocols and assigned schedules.

Uses appropriate safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious, radioactive and toxic substances.

Participates in the Laboratory quality control, safety, and preventive maintenance programs.

Demonstrates awareness and complies with accrediting agency and regulatory requirements related to their area of responsibility.

Performs basic maintenance checks on laboratory equipment.

Coordinates and routes specimens to proper area of laboratory.

Performs related duties as assigned, within established guidelines to meet expected turnaround times.

For Technical Areas (Core, Microbiology, Blood Bank)

In addition to essential functions, logs specimens into laboratory and Laboratory Information System (LIS); receives or collects specimens and labels them appropriately

Storing specimens for future reference or discarding them after testing.

Coordinates and routes specimens to proper area of laboratory. Tracks and locates missing specimens.

Histology/Cytology

In addition to essential functions, logs specimens into laboratory and Laboratory Information System (LIS); receives or collects specimens and labels them appropriately.

Storing specimens for future reference or discarding them after testing.

Labels and distributes case slides to the pathologists per assigned schedules.

Performs tracking functions using Ventana’s Vantage software.

Processes requisitions for pathology and laboratory services.

Stores and disposes of surgical and autopsy specimens.

Photographs such subjects as gross autopsy specimens.

Cuts, stains, and processes specimens of human tissue for frozen sections.

Maintains cryostat and staining set up for frozens and touch preps.

Files slides and blocks as they are made available from multiple sources (daily cases, send-out returns, etc.).

Pathology Office

In addition to essential functions, performs a variety of duties in Pathology, Cytology, Histology, and Autopsy records.

Maintains phones and responds to requests for information.

Manages morgue book daily, ensuring paperwork is complete and accurate for each decedent, resolving errors as needed. Follows up with family or authorized party to release decedents timely. Completes release paperwork.

Provides support and assists pathologists as requested.

Manages face sheets for billing purposes, coordinates and completes outside consultant requests, pulling blocks and slides as needed for send out or further pathologist review.

Prepares various tumor board information each week and assists with legal preservation.

Pulls samples to send out to other labs then records when samples are returned; enters or retrieves data from computer files, scans and labels a variety of samples.

TMC Rincon

In addition to the essential functions, Laboratory Assistants at TMC Rincon will be responsible for Phlebotomist responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

EXPERIENCE:One (1) month related lab experience.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: None required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Skill in maintaining, processing and recording lab samples and specimens.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions to take appropriate action.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.