Cytology Specimen Prep Technologist\/Technician - Per Diem

About the role

A TH Clinical Laboratory Technologist at Stony Brook Medicine provides clinical services to the patient population, interacts professionally with nursing staff, physicians, support staff, peers, and other members of the hospital community. They maintain a general knowledge of safe practices and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these practices to ensure the safety of all Laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities

• Receipt and acceptance of Cytology specimens: Verify patient ID, register patient, accession case, and affix labels on specimen containers, processing tubes, and slides using department LIS (CoPath) and specimen tracking system (Ventana Vantage).
• Hold or forward specimen for Molecular Testing (HPV and ThyroSeq) per physician's requests.
• Prepare Cytology Specimen: Utilize ThinPrep Processor for GYN specimens and established protocols for Non-GYN specimens.
• Stain and Coverslip Prepared Microscope Slides: Utilize automated stainer and coverslipper according to departmental protocols.
• Specimen Storage and Disposal: Store fresh fluid and specimens in refrigerators at 2-8 degrees Celsius, keep processed and residual specimens in refrigerators and vials at appropriate temperatures, discard waste following established protocols.
• Perform Equipment Maintenance: Conduct QC maintenance checks on equipment, filter reagents daily, clean stainer biweekly, refill with fresh reagents.
• Maintain Safety: Follow regulatory agencies, Hospital, Environment Health and Safety, and Departmental procedures and policies, utilize proper PPE, understand and comply with JCAHO/CAP/NYSDOH/EH&S compliance regulations and standards.
• Troubleshoot Machines: Troubleshoot based on vendor manuals or call vendor's service line for assistance, document all corrective actions.
• Inventory Control: Maintain inventory control of reagents and supplies, order office supplies, keep laboratory adequately stocked.
• Staff Training and Development: Train and assess new staff or staff responsible for coverage, provide overview of cytology preparation laboratory workflow, preparation methods, and techniques to residents, fellows, students, etc.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Biological Science or Laboratory Technology, or equivalent relevant laboratory experience.
• Basic manual dexterity and computer skills.
• Highly organized, good multitasking skills, team player, and excellent communication skills.
• NYSDOH Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) or Histotechnician (HT) License.
• Basic motility, ability to stand or sit for extended periods, ability to lift or carry light to moderate weights, safe use of PPE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, or related field.
• Completion of a Clinical Laboratory Technology, Histotechnology, or Laboratory Technician training program.
• 2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory, ideally in cytology preparation or specimen processing.
• Familiarity with cytology specimen preparation techniques, including smearing, ThinPrep slide and cell block preparation, staining, and cytospin.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS).
• Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety standards, infection control, and regulatory compliance (CAP, CLIA, JCAHO, HIPAA).
• Excellent interpersonal and effective communication skills, strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• NYSDOH Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLS) or Histotechnologist (HTL) License.