What are the responsibilities and job description for the Histology Laboratory Assistant position at Kaiser Permanente?
$1,500 sign-on bonus eligible position!
Provides administrative assistance and logistical support to Histology Laboratory through a general understanding of Surgical Pathology Laboratory Operations and regulatory requirements.
Essential Functions:
• Prepares cases to be grossed-in in the Histology laboratory, accessions cases, checks tissue-examination forms and specimens for completeness and accuracy, and labels specimen cassettes and slides with accession numbers according to varied specimen requirements.
• Assists processing of specimens for testing at the Regional Laboratory Histology Department.
• Follows established procedures for processing of patient samples. Determines the acceptability of specimens and acts on that information.
• Places orders for tests to be performed at reference laboratory (ex. Stone analysis, tick ID, flow specimens, send-out specimens for derm and hematopathology cases, etc.).
• Communicates with medical, clinical and technical staff at other laboratories and medical centers concerning specimen inquiries, problems, and investigations.
• Assists Histology in the assurance that all departmental copies of reports and necessary tissue blocks and slides are maintained in chronological/numerical order and according to appropriate storage requirements.
• Files and maintains microscope slides and paraffin blocks of surgical pathology cases.
• Follows instrument and equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Maintains records of actions. Attempts to troubleshoot malfunctioning instruments or equipment, referring major problems to the supervisor or designee.
• Prepares stains, performs and documents all QC on stains and reagents in accordance to regulatory requirements.
• Assists the pathologists in fine needle aspiration procedures. Prepares and maintains related reagents and stains.
• Performs duties in compliance with laboratory safety and infection control practices. Wears protective equipment as required.
• Recycles chemicals for re-use in the Histology Department and disposes of biohazardous waste according to company policies.
• Assists material handlers to maintain adequate inventory of clerical and laboratory supplies. Orders supplies for reference lab tests and maintains them by expiration date. Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Presents a professional appearance and manner to all patients and co-workers.
• Shuttles specimens, and papers between the Histology laboratory and pathology offices.
• Assists supervisor with the orientation and training of new employees.
• Performs other related duties as directed.
• Prepares cases to be grossed-in in the Histology laboratory, accessions cases, checks tissue-examination forms and specimens for completeness and accuracy, and labels specimen cassettes and slides with accession numbers according to varied specimen requirements.
• Assists processing of specimens for testing at the Regional Laboratory Histology Department.
• Follows established procedures for processing of patient samples. Determines the acceptability of specimens and acts on that information.
• Places orders for tests to be performed at reference laboratory (ex. Stone analysis, tick ID, flow specimens, send-out specimens for derm and hematopathology cases, etc.).
• Communicates with medical, clinical and technical staff at other laboratories and medical centers concerning specimen inquiries, problems, and investigations.
• Assists Histology in the assurance that all departmental copies of reports and necessary tissue blocks and slides are maintained in chronological/numerical order and according to appropriate storage requirements.
• Files and maintains microscope slides and paraffin blocks of surgical pathology cases.
• Follows instrument and equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Maintains records of actions. Attempts to troubleshoot malfunctioning instruments or equipment, referring major problems to the supervisor or designee.
• Prepares stains, performs and documents all QC on stains and reagents in accordance to regulatory requirements.
• Assists the pathologists in fine needle aspiration procedures. Prepares and maintains related reagents and stains.
• Performs duties in compliance with laboratory safety and infection control practices. Wears protective equipment as required.
• Recycles chemicals for re-use in the Histology Department and disposes of biohazardous waste according to company policies.
• Assists material handlers to maintain adequate inventory of clerical and laboratory supplies. Orders supplies for reference lab tests and maintains them by expiration date. Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Presents a professional appearance and manner to all patients and co-workers.
• Shuttles specimens, and papers between the Histology laboratory and pathology offices.
• Assists supervisor with the orientation and training of new employees.
• Performs other related duties as directed.
Qualifications:
Schedule: 2p-6p Monday to Friday.
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
• Minimum one (1) year of previous work experience in a Histology Laboratory required.
Education
• Graduation from a Medical Assistant Program; or equivalent training program; or completion of a minimum of 20 Credit Hours of Life Science classes at accredited university or college (Life Science classes in microbiology, biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, organic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, or related field) required.
• Certificate of proper completion of a Medical Assistant Program or documentation of Life Science course credits required.
• High School Diploma OR General Education Diploma required
License, Certification, Registration
• N/A
Experience
• Minimum one (1) year of previous work experience in a Histology Laboratory required.
Education
• Graduation from a Medical Assistant Program; or equivalent training program; or completion of a minimum of 20 Credit Hours of Life Science classes at accredited university or college (Life Science classes in microbiology, biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, organic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, or related field) required.
• Certificate of proper completion of a Medical Assistant Program or documentation of Life Science course credits required.
• High School Diploma OR General Education Diploma required
License, Certification, Registration
• N/A
Additional Requirements:
• Knowledge of medical terminology and routine laboratory collection and testing procedures required
• Knowledge and understanding of infection control and aseptic technique required.
• Knowledge of Human Anatomy required.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Demonstrates skills in organizing and prioritizing required.
• Ability to organize and assimilate data independently required.
• Attention to detail required.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Proficiency in the use of applicable computer software preferred.