PRIMARY FUNCTION:

To prepare slides from the Fine Needle aspirates at the patient beside or remotely in the Cytology Lab. To perform gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimen preparation. To process other clinical specimens for cytologic evaluation by the Cytotechnologists and Cytopathologists.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receives patient specimens with Cytology test requests and reviews specimen label and request for accuracy.

• To assist at the patient bedside by preparing smears from fine needle aspirates obtained by clinicians, staining them immediately and paging the Pathologists for on-site evaluation.

• Prepares necessary stains and set up for staining slides either on the cart or at the dedicated staining location.

• Centrifuges specimens to sediment cellular components.

• Prepares cell block when indicated by specimen appearance.

• Reviews FNA schedule and prepares appropriate documents and reagents for FNA.

• Receives patient specimen with Cytology test request and reviews specimen label and request for accuracy.

• Performs gross description and orders tests using Laboratory Information System or Hospital Information System.

• Prepares and maintains solutions used in Cytology according to written protocols.

• Labels specimen processing containers and triage special stains, rush and high-risk cases to be processed ASAP.

• Cleans, maintains and operates staining instruments and Hologic Thin Prep processors.

• Answers phone courteously and promptly.

• Performs assigned work safely, adhering to established departmental safety rules and practices. Reports to cytotechnologist/director, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, other employees, patients and visitors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduate or equivalent.

• Three years technical experience in a laboratory environment preparing solutions and/or operating

• centrifuges or automated staining instruments.

• Clerical experience, data input, medical terminology course work.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.