Pathology Lab Assistant

About the role

Provides clerical and non‑technical support to the anatomic pathology department. Responsibilities include specimen accessioning, reference testing coordination, inventory and record maintenance, temperature documentation, and general departmental organization. This role supports efficient workflow, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, and may assist with postmortem examinations.

Essential Job Functions

• Ensure accurate registration, specimen identification, accessioning and specimen integrity throughout processing.
• Review specimens for acceptability, identify issues requiring follow‑up, and ensure timely resolution.
• Coordinate reference and send‑out testing, including documentation, tracking, and communication with outside laboratories and provider offices.
• Receive, match, distribute, file, and retrieve slides, blocks, and related materials; maintain specimen retention systems per policy.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including temperature logs, specimen tracking records, and inventory records; investigate and report discrepancies.
• Monitor and maintain departmental inventory, including ordering, stocking, and ensuring availability of supplies for routine operations, reference testing, and procedures. Resolve ordering issues and participate in inventory management initiatives.
• Prepare cases and materials for pathologists, multidisciplinary conferences, and clinical activities as requested.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant workspaces; assist with general pathology maintenance and instrument/equipment upkeep.
• Comply with all laboratory, hospital, corporate compliance, infection prevention, safety, Joint Commission, New York State, and HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain compliance with Employee Health and Occupational Medicine policies (i.e., PPD testing and Influenza vaccination).
• Maintain slide, block, and specimen retention and retrieval systems in accordance with departmental policy.
• Appropriately discard specimens and biohazardous materials according to laboratory policy.
• Support quality improvement activities, including validation of new processes and reagents, and policy/procedure review.
• Assist with postmortem examinations, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

(*) Indicates an essential function of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Essential functions are the core duties that are fundamental to the position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Success Factors

• Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Upholds patient and employee confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Adheres strictly to safety protocols, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as formalin and xylene.
• Maintains professional, respectful, and customer-focused interactions with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Consistently follows all applicable policies, procedures, regulatory standards, and quality control requirements.

Qualifications

Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to prioritize workload.

Preferred: Prior laboratory experience. Familiarity with medical procedures and terminology.

Physical Requirements

• Light to moderate physical effort.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Repetitive hand use; occasional prolonged standing, walking, or sitting.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and laboratory chemicals.