Cytopreparatory Technician I

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: 

The Cytopreparatory Technician performs a variety of clerical and technical duties under general supervision. Performs cytological and/or histological procedures on material derived from the human body which provides information for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a disease or assessment of a human medical condition.

Responsibilities include receipt, verification, processing specimens as well triaging specimens for additional testing in other laboratories. Performs computer data entry of patient and specimen information.

 

The Cytopreparatory Technician reports to the Technical Director.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives, verifies Cytology specimens.
• Enters patient, test, and compliance information into computer.
• Troubleshoots patient demographic and insurance issues using various online resources(i.e.EPIC)
• Generates barcode labels; labels specimens/requisitions.
• Follows all safety (including infection control and hazardous material) policies and procedures. Notifies supervisor of unsafe conditions.
• Successfully participates in annual Health and Safety Training and Compliance activities.
• Adheres to proper handling of specimens.
• Must triage all specimens for additional testing in other laboratories.
• Performs gross description of all specimens received.
• Based on the clinical setting/diagnosis of the patient must decide what fixation/preparation technique should be performed.
• Performs density gradient sedimentation centrifugation.
• Performs cell washes for improved cellular yield on specimens judged to be less than optimal.
• Making dilutions is an essential part of the position. It is important to understand the following:
       - how to do the calculations to set up the dilution
       - how to do the dilution optimally
       - how to calculate the final dilution
• Knowledge of various stains and the ability to set up both manual and automated staining stations to produce slides with enhanced cellular elements required for diagnosis.
• Must be able to perform special stains.
• Must be able to perform Immunocytochemical Staining.
• Places specimens into appropriate fixatives using defined tissue protocols.
• Gross small surgical specimens.
• Print, add and delete cassettes. 
• Label cassettes with appropriate case number and submit tissue for processing.
• Maintains General Data cassette printer and makes service calls as needed.
• Understands the risk of cross-contamination in the staining process and demonstrates the technical knowledge to ensure specimen integrity throughout the process.
• Must recognize when a reagent is not performing properly and be able to troubleshoot the process to optimize results.
• Understanding of basic laboratory instrumentation to include, processors, imaging systems, ICC stainers, Multiprogram stainers, coverslippers, balances, and centrifuges etc.
• Maintenance of all equipment used in the laboratory.
• Must be comfortable troubleshooting equipment and be able to recognize the need for assistance either by the technical director or the manufacturer.
• Maintain quality control logs on a variety of equipment including slide imagers, processors, molecular stainers, automated stainers, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers, etc.
• Participates in cost effectiveness planning and inventory of supplies, as requested.
• Resolves patient identification problems with appropriate care unit. Contacts care units to report specimen problems such as inaccurate labeling, incorrect sample, improper packaging and handling. Records events.
• Adheres to procedure for the "Handling of Unacceptable Specimens" as established by laboratory administration.
• Standard precautions, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety.
• Follows standard precaution and wears PPE to perform tasks as indicated.
• Maintains safe working environment.

 

Meets requirements for High Complexity testing according to CLIA 88 standards.
Associates Degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution preferred or education equivalent to at least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either-- 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

24 semester hours of science courses that include: 6 semester hours chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology and 12 semester hours of   chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination. Medical Terminology.

 

Successful completion of ASCT "Introduction to the Cytopreparation Laboratory" course within six months of hire.

One year laboratory experience preferred.

Knowledge of medical terminology required, physiology and anatomy is highly desirable.

Knowledge of computer, keyboard, MS Windows.

Acceptable attendance record.