Surgical Pathology Technician

About the role

This full-time Surgical Pathology Technician position runs Monday through Friday with 8-hour shifts starting between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and ending between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., plus rotating weekend coverage at UPMC Presbyterian (on-site Saturdays and on-call Sundays) with no holiday requirement. Coverage rotates across UPMC’s urban campuses, including UPMC Shadyside, and UPMC Presbyterian, and UPMC Mercy.

Responsibilities

- Examine and prepare surgical biopsy specimens for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities. - Consistently provide an accurate gross description of surgical specimens as recorded in case report for pathologist. - Perform additional special specimen handling radiography, photography, special fixation, etc. - File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintain accurate records of all such activities. - Maintain record logs for the equipment. - Replenish supplies for physicians’ offices. - Ensure proper operation, repair and replacement, and preventative maintenance of area equipment and tools. - Verify complete and accurate patient identification on specimen requisition and container and reject specimens with conflicting/inadequate patient identifiers. - Correlate patient history with specimen type and consult admitting clinician with conflicts. - Utilize voice recognition software during documentation of specimen gross appearance. - Receive, sort, and verify patient identifiers as cases are accessioned with bar coded labels. - Perform proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety. - Document discrepancy and resolution in APLIS. - Perform clerical/computer entry functions including ordering departmental supplies and maintaining adequate stock. - Attend in-services, lectures, and training classes, as required. - Receive and accession specimens in LIS.

Qualifications

- Associate’s degree in a laboratory science AND 2 years of hospital laboratory experience; OR - Bachelor’s degree in biology or related health sciences required AND 1 year of hospital laboratory experience preferred. - Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information system experience preferred. - Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers as well as co-workers both by telephone and in-person. - This position requires regular movement throughout the facility, including walking, standing, and lifting materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.