Senior Pathology Technician Assistant AA

Job Summary:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Pathology/Laboratory Director and the Laboratory Administrative Director or designee and under the direct supervision of the grossing pathologist to prepare human surgical specimens for gross description and dissection including description of gross features and selection of tissues for histological examination. Assists pathologist in the receipt, preparation and examination of surgical tissue specimens and autopsies. May be regularly assigned to direct and check the work of one or more Pathology Technical Assistants; or who have demonstrated ability to perform the most complex techniques and procedures of the classification in accordance with the specifications set by the Chief of Pathology/Lab Director. Assures that all specimens are appropriately logged, processed and disposed of in a timely and safe manner. All tasks are to be done courteously and correctly; using judgment to respond appropriately to changing workload.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Essential Functions:
• A. Receives, transports, verifies identification, logs, and prepares gross surgical and cytology specimens received in pathology:
• 1. May be required to pick up and transport all pathology specimens from laboratory and surgery, verifying specimen identification. Resolves discrepancies.
• 2. Labels specimens, requisitions, cassettes with surgical accession number, legibly and accurately.
• 3. Enters accession number, patient and specimen identifiers into computer database.
• 4. Processes, prepares and sends specimens to outside laboratory; accurately completes all associated paperwork.
• 5. Processes, prepares and distributes intra-facility consultations.
• 6. Performs tissue sections according to written policies and procedures.
• B. Assists pathologist with gross examination:
• 1. Sets up necessary equipment, supplies and specimens for gross examination.
• 2. Assists pathologist with gross examination of surgical specimens, and amputated limbs under direct supervision of the pathologist. Stores specimens after examination.
• 3. Assists pathologist to perform the gross examinations and dictation of surgical specimens according to written policies and procedures under direct supervision of the pathologist.
• 4. Assists pathologist to perform the cutting of various specimens according to established policies and procedures under direct supervision of the pathologist.
• 5. Disinfects area/ instruments including cryostat.
• 6. Assists pathologist preparing fetal/infant cadavers and associated paperwork for shipment to fetal pathologist.
• 7. Cut and stain frozen section under direct supervision of the pathologist.
• C. Maintains wet tissue storage:
• 1. Stores, rotates and disposes of all wet tissues in accordance with departmental procedures. Disinfects and maintains specimen storage cabinets.
• 2. Disposes of tissues, decanting formaldehyde per department protocol and following all safety precautions.
• D. Assists other staff, as directed, and assists with clerical duties.
• 1. Receives slides from Regional Lab and distributes slides to pathologist. Verifies accuracy of shipment.
• 2. Files, including slides.
• 3. Assists with stocking supplies and proper utilization of supplies.
• 4. Mailing and distribution of report.
• 5. Answering the telephone and responding to voicemail messages in a timely manner.
• 6. According to established facility protocol, conducts daily morgue census; verifies if autopsy is required; and collects permit chart, etc. as assigned.
• E. Properly labels, stores, handles, and disposes reagents and hazardous wastes according to local, State and Federal regulations.
• This may include recycling or reprocessing of reagents used in the department/unit including neutralization of formaldehyde before disposing.
• F. Under general supervision, performs the most complex techniques and procedures of the classification in accordance with the specifications set by pathologists.
• G. May be assigned to train staff in all non-grossing duties. May be assigned to direct and check the work of other Pathology Technical Assistants.
• H. Other duties assigned.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: This job may have supervisory responsibilities.

Grade 480