Pathology Assistant

A Brief Overview
Independently prepares any complex and routine patient specimen for processing and special procedures by describing, measuring, dissecting and weighing specimens and entering specimen information into the computer. Organizes and performs tasks efficiently to meet departmental turnaround time standards and accommodate patient care needs. Collaborates with supervisory staff to achieve departmental goals, improve service, quality, cost effectiveness and adherence to regulatory guidelines

What You Will Do

• Perform macroscopic dissection and meticulously describe surgical specimens with precision and attention to detail.
• Conduct intraoperative frozen sectioning procedures with accuracy and efficiency, including gross description, tissue selection, appropriate staining techniques, and precise cutting methods.
• Procure and meticulously process tissue for various ancillary studies, including electron microscopy, lymphoma protocols, cytogenetics, immunofluorescence, microbiology, and research purposes, ensuring proper handling and preservation techniques are followed.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure timely and accurate communication of specimen findings and any relevant ancillary study results.
• Maintain accurate records of all specimen dissections, processing procedures, and ancillary study protocols in compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional standards.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control activities, including instrument maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure optimal laboratory performance and accuracy of results.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, to maintain a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Continuously update knowledge and skills through participation in relevant continuing education opportunities, workshops, and conferences to stay abreast of advancements in the field of surgical pathology and ancillary studies.
• Provide training and guidance to surgical pathology technicians, specimen processors, residents, and medical students on specimen processing techniques, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.
• For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
• Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.