Pathology Grossing Technician

About the role

The Pathology Grossing Technician works independently using medical knowledge to perform human specimen examination for diagnosis and patient treatment. The laboratory receives and processes specimens from the operating rooms and clinics throughout the hospital and health care organization. Specimens are also received from external clients and research groups. This Pathology Grossing Technician functions in support of and as an adjunct to the physicians in Pathology.

Responsibilities

• Dissect and dictate gross descriptions of both routine, uncomplicated specimens (small biopsies and simple excisions) as well as larger resection specimens including high-complexity cancer resections (hysterectomies, prostatectomies, mastectomies, colectomies, gastrectomies, and others).
• Grossly identify tumors and select sections for microscopic examination, including surgical margins and any sections relevant for cancer staging.
• Maintain competency and keep abreast of changing techniques and requirements in Anatomic Pathology dissection.
• Obtain the clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc., as indicated after consulting with the Pathologist.
• Describe gross anatomic features, overall specimen dimensions, structures, size, and appearance.
• Dissect surgical specimens and prepare tissues for processing according to established procedures.
• For large/complex resection specimens (including cancer specimens), sections obtained should be sufficient for identification of tumor type and for subsequent grading and staging of the cancer.
• Escalate non-routine complicated specimens to the Pathologist.
• Exercise judgment by preserving samples for testing.
• Collaborate with the Pathologist to obtain biological specimens for specialized analysis (flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc.) and prepare gross tissue sections for frozen section microscopy.
• Photograph pertinent specimens.
• Assure proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
• Receive specimens and carefully check paperwork for accuracy and completeness. Contact ordering source if any information is incomplete.
• Process test requests with accompanying specimens and enter orders as required. Use established policies and procedures for specimen acceptability and troubleshoot or clarify questions regarding specimen integrity.
• Troubleshoot laboratory defined equipment and document system error codes.
• Practice universal safety precautions according to hospital policy and procedures at all times (e.g. use of gloves, lab coat, and other Personal Protective Equipment).
• Assume other responsibilities as directed by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Minimum education is a Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical laboratory science or biological science from an accredited institution, or education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, or 24 semester hours of science courses that includes six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination.
• Ability to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Skills

• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, reaching, bending.
• Lifting a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Normal vision and hearing.
• Normal color vision for tasks requiring color differentiation.
• Physical presence on site is essential.
• Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email.

Benefits

Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals and hazardous material. Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A