Pathology Technician - Anatomic Pathology Core Lab - Days

VCU Health; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

VCU Health is seeking a Lab Support Associate to resolve order/specimen issues, respond to test result inquiries, and assist with specimen handling and delivery. The role includes accessioning, data entry, and basic lab procedures in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Responsibilities cover pre-analytical preparation, courier coordination between sites, and maintenance of equipment and inventory. Weekend and overtime duties may apply.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory or reference lab work.
• Experience using a personal computer and entering data.
• Adaptable to handling specimens and performing basic pre-analytical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Resolve problems with orders and specimens and respond to inquiries.
• Receive, accession, and transport specimens and reports.
• Prepare coolers for blood delivery and maintain equipment.
• Perform CLIA Waived Lab Testing where applicable.
• Register and accessions all patient material as required.
• Maintain workload records and conduct basic quality control.

Skills

Data entry

Customer service

PC proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

One year of post high school education in a Health Science field

Job description

Provides support services for the clinical or anatomical laboratories by resolving problems with orders and/or specimens and by responding to telephone inquiries for test results and specimen collection criteria.

Where applicable: prepares coolers for blood delivery, receives blood product inventory, scans digital slides, files slides and tissue blocks, and performs daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of equipment.

Receives and delivers specimens and reports.

Where applicable, compiles appropriate case data including correct specimen designation regarding specimen site so that appropriate/correct testing is performed by pathologist/technologist.

Where applicable, performs CLIA Waived Lab Testing.

Registers and accessions all patient material as required for the Department.

Laboratory support functions may also include, but are not limited to, developing and maintaining ordering and inventory processes/systems; assisting with employee time keeping; pay reference lab invoices; providing data entry assistance and general glassware maintenance.

Maintains workload recording to include quality control as required for area/department.

Receives specimens in the laboratory and performs pre-analytical specimen manipulation/preparation for analysis which includes but is not limited to accessioning orders via Laboratory Computer System, verifying technical specimen acceptability, and performing pre-analytical procedures.

Pre-analytical procedures may include aliquoting specimens for technical analysis, plating specimens for microbiologic growth, specimen manipulation/preparation for testing, preparing smears, preparing specimens for shipping utilizing knowledge of specimen handling and shipping of dangerous goods in accordance with laboratory policy in an accurate, safe, and timely manner.

Dependent on-site location/where applicable: provides internal and/or external courier services transporting a variety of items, ensuring that deliveries are made within the specific timeframes established by the assigned department.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:

Dependent on-site location: valid driver's license and acceptable driver's record if required to drive between sites required

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:

Dependent on-site location: valid driver's license and acceptable driver's record if required to drive between sites required

Experience REQUIRED:

• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory; reference laboratory or college level laboratory course work
• Previous experience using a personal computer and entering data

Experience PREFERRED:

Minimum of 2 years of laboratory experience using basic laboratory principles and procedures and handling specimens

Education/training REQUIRED:

(Note: work experience may be considered in lieu of credentials not required by law with HR approval. Work experience must be specific to role.)

High School Diploma or equivalent

Education/training PREFERRED:

One year of post high school education in a Health Science field

Independent action(s) required:

• Complete required continuing education.
• Customer service-oriented communications.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable):

N/A

Additional position requirements:

• Rotating weekends as required
• Holiday scheduling as required
• Work overtime as needed

Age Specific groups served:

All

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate)

• Physical: Lifting less than 20 lbs.
• Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive)
• Repetitive motion: typing, pipetting, plating
• Other: exposure to biohazards and potentially infectious body fluids
• Other: exposure to hazardous chemicals and reagents
• Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking
• Emotional: Working in a fast-paced environment, Steady pace, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Compensation Range

$16.08 - $24.12

Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran