Lab Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities – Pathology Lab

• Performs a variety of administrative duties triaging of histologic specimens, receiving, setting up for examination, and sending out for additional testing.
• Maintains patient files including requisitions, blocks slides, and all ancillary testing paperwork.
• Specimen Collection/Triage: Receives, accepts, and recognizes specimens that arrive in the laboratory. Checks for proper identification and fixative. Accurately accesses specimens with proper patient information. Sets up tissue for examination following patient specimen identification.
• Identifies Specimen Problems: Recognizes adequacy of received specimens and documents and retrieves appropriate information from clinics for specimen correction documentation. Maintains lab files in accurate numerical order and ensures quality control review of files for accurate filing.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor: Assists the histology lab area on high volume days with glass slide cover slipping, QC check slides, correlating reports, and delivering to pathologists. Retrieves material for special test requests.
• Mounting Procedure: Selects correct mounting medium for each type of stain.
• Instrumentation: Maintains and services instruments according to established protocols. Operates or uses instruments for their intended purposes. Monitors and documents instrument performance, recognizes malfunctions, and identifies the need for repair.
• Reagent Preparation: Prepares reagents according to established procedures. Records quality control data for each reagent. Properly stores and preserves reagents and recognizes reagent malfunctions requiring replacement.
• General Safety: Demonstrates correct safety practices as defined in established protocols. Corrects dangerous situations related to job safety. Adheres to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions.
• Chemical Hygiene/Biohazard Procedures: Demonstrates proper handling of chemicals and biohazard materials. Maintains knowledge of OSHA regulations and use of universal precautions.
• Aids in the evaluation of new procedures and equipment for possible adoption by the laboratory environment.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Prepares slides with permanent labels and files them appropriately.
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities while supporting a culture of high quality and great customer service.
• Performs other duties that may be necessary or in the best interest of the organization.