Summary:

Provide high quality and efficient service to patients through timely and efficient processing of cytology specimens and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

Cytology Assistant:

• Generates a daily log of patient tests ordered and assures that all tests have been performed. Consults with cytotechnologist on any questionable orders.
• Registers and accessions cytology tests and scans test results into the computer laboratory information system in an efficient, accurate, and timely fashion.
• Unpacks, accessions, stains, coverslips, labels, etc. cytology specimens. Maintains integrity of specimens. Assists cytology tech in processing techniques to include special stains.
• Assures integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements. Performs non-gyn specimen processing to include cell blocks.
• Consistently informs the supervising coordinator, or cytotechnologist, of all unusual or unexpected occurrences.
• Helps maintain inventory of supplies and prepares, dates, and properly labels reagents, chemicals, and controls as to kind and date of preparation.
• Maintains clean working area, cleans all equipment following procedures, checks for safety monthly, and maintains daily, weekly and monthly logs on instrument maintenance.
• Performs job responsibilities independently.
• Continuously practices universal precautions. Follows laboratory and hospital policies and procedures, and established safety procedures.
• Documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various licensing agencies and hospital regulations.
• Responsible for entering appropriate CPT codes and monitoring charges on a daily basis.

Histology Assistant:

• Assists pathologists during grossing procedure to include simple specimens like curettings, GI and cervical biopsies.
• Obtains specimens and dispenses critical information. Orients and trains others assigned to the grossing area as instructed by Director.
• Assists histology technicians in some histology techniques to include cover slipping and labeling. May progress to embedding procedures.
• Prepares reagents, solutions, and stains according to laboratory procedures. Maintains instruments per preventive daily maintenance schedule.
• Transports surgical specimens to histology department. Disposes of tissue in accordance with OSHA standards and regulations.
• Assures integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements. Accessions specimens in pathology information system.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation for safe routine operation of equipment.
• Troubleshoots labeling errors by communicating to physician offices. Maintains appropriate logs of specimens.
• Responsible for charging and monitoring charges on a daily basis.
• Performs job functions under the guidance of pathologists, laboratory director and histology technicians.
• Monitors and maintains an adequate supply of inventory items for grossing room.
• Continuously practices universal precautions according to hospital and department policies and procedures.
• Assists in resolving procedural problems with consultation. Reports appropriate results and problems to pathologists, histology technician, or Director.
• Documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various licensing agencies and hospital regulations.
• Unpacks, labels, and distributes histology supplies.
• Performs limited basic histology techniques including processing and staining.

Requirements:

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required, Associates Degree in Science preferred.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in the laboratory preferred.
• Ability to obtain and process cytology specimens and dispense critical information in accordance with section, laboratory, and hospital procedures and policies
• Must be organized and detail oriented
• Must be able to operate laboratory equipment and computer system
• Must read and write English and be able to communicate effectively
• Excellent telephone skills required
• Keyboard skills preferred.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

• Not applicable

Work Schedule:

5 Days - 8 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time

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About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.

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