Cytotechnologist

A Cytotechnologist utilizes knowledge and anatomical laboratory experience to receive accession and prepare cytological specimens for examination. The Cytotechnologist performs the analyses of cytopathology specimens in an accurate and timely manner. This position requires the exercise of independent judgment, timeliness, accuracy and responsibility with minimal supervision by the director or supervisor.

Responsibilities: 

• Cytology Specimen Prep Duties and Technologist Responsibilities
  • Prepares cytologic specimens for analysis
  • Assures proper maintenance of equipment
  • Verifies and assures accuracy of specimen and patient information.
  • Enters information into computer reporting system according to standard laboratory procedures
  • Performs all appropriate laboratory technical procedures including specimen prep, staining, destaining and restaining and screening with little or no supervision
  • Screens specimens and dots slides as appropriate for pathologist
  • Performs testing and reports results on laboratory specimens
  • Performs all duties associated with FNA specimen collection, processing and screening
  • Meets the diagnostic performance guideline established by the medical director
  • Performs job duties in an honest, punctual and ethical manner
  • Reviews and updates all cytology related procedures and procedure manuals on an annual basis and prepares for review by the Medical Director
  • Performs quality control and maintains all appropriate documentation
  • Achieves minimum daily workload productivity as established by the Medical Director
  • Adheres to NYS screening guidelines for cytotechnologists and maintains proper documents pertaining to number of slides screened
  • Maintains competency and assumes responsibility for continuing education relevant to responsibilities
  • Participates in the quality control program by re-screening negative pap smears to validate test results
• Demonstrates technical skills necessary to perform specimen collection and triage
  • Accepts and identifies specimens received in the laboratory
  • Checks specimen container and requisition for proper identification and specimen transport condition
  • Enters patient demographics and specimen information into the pathology information system.
  • Selects paperwork required to ensure specimen identification, specimen processing and billing
  • Verifies insurance information and retrieves missing information.

• Demonstrates the ability to perform gross examinations of specimens
  • Checks and maintains accurate specimen identification
  • Determines correct fixatives for requested procedures
  • Weighs and measures specimens
  • Selects tissues and cassettes for processing and stores residual tissues using methods that insure preservation
  • Records required information necessary for subsequent procedures such as embedding and cutting
  • Dictates gross descriptions clearly, accurately and according to guidelines of the department
  • Photographs specimens correctly
  • Implements proper tissue processing procedures
  • Follows decalcification procedures

• Demonstrates the ability to process Heme/Path bone marrow specimens
  • Demonstrates the ability to prepare reagents for bone marrow Wright Giemsa stain
  • Performs Wright Giemsa stain on bone marrow smears
  • Demonstrates the ability to coverslip and prepare bone marrow slides to be submitted to the pathologist

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience:

• • 3 years minimum experience screening gynecological, non-gynecological specimens and fine needle aspirations. Familiar with Bethesda system for Cytology reporting.

Education:  

• • Bachelor of Science with ASCP Registry and/or Certified Cytology School Degree

Licenses / Certifications:

• • NYS DOH registration and NYSED License as a Cytotechnologist

Special Requirements:

• • Thorough knowledge of cytotechnology concepts, principles, practices, and methodologies, including the use of statistics and quality assurance sufficient to perform abroad range of standardized tests and complex analyses of non-routine tests; good knowledge of body systems sufficient to allow evaluation of specimens obtained by a variety of techniques to include fine needle aspiration of major organ systems and subcutaneous masses; good knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, reference standards, medicolegal responsibilities, and certifying and accrediting agency requirements related to practice of cytotechnology to ensure that work is consistent with and meets all standards; good knowledge of the operation and care of specialized laboratory equipment in cytology laboratory; ability to interpret the various clinical presentations of disease and apply such knowledge in conjunction with the microscopic findings to effect an appropriate and accurate final diagnosis; ability to provide technical instructions on problems related to cytological techniques; ability to communicate; effectively with fellow employees and patients; ability to maintain complete and accurate records.