Pathologist’s Assistant

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities:

Preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens including:

• Assuring appropriate specimen identification and accessioning
• Obtaining clinical history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.
• Follow CAP Cancer Protocols, AJCC Cancer Staging Manual and AAPA Grossing Guidelines when processing complex cancer cases
• Comply with specimen processing protocols in a uniform manner
• Describing gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, and preparing tissues for histologic processing
• Assuring integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements
• Exercises judgment by preserving samples for testing
• Verification of accuracy, and editing of CPT codes for each specimen
• Knowledge of appropriate LIS, EMR and dictation systems
• Obtaining biological specimens such as blood, tissue, and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc., and performing special procedures including specimen imaging / radiography and tumor triage
• Performing frozen sections and other intra-operative consultations, within established protocol and procedural parameters
• Maintaining quality control / assurance activities and records
• Photographing all pertinent gross specimens and microscopic slides
• Performing duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports, and data.
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting of instrumentation for the safe and routine operation of equipment
• Assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite
• Assisting in the orientation of new personnel as directed by the laboratory directory

Other Responsibilities:

• Completes special projects as requested
• Resolves procedural problems with consultation. Reports appropriate results and problems to Pathologist(s)
• Performs and documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various accrediting agencies and hospital regulations
• Performs administrative, teaching, and other duties as assigned

Required:

• ASCP board of certification

Preferred Experience:

•  1 year Pathologists’ Assistant