LAB CYTOTECH

Covenant HealthCare

Summary:
The Cytologist demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant and the commitment to Keeping our Promise of Caring. This individual is responsible for performance and reporting results promptly and proficiently on tests and patient specimens. Perform quality control procedure, instrument checks and maintenance, quality assurance studies and help maintain appropriate records as needed. Help as directed with research, new procedures, training and orientation. Comply with Covenant policies and procedures and help maintain a safe and efficient workplace. Insures assigned service meet CLIA 1988 accreditation standards and OSHA safety standards and provides quality service in an expeditious manner.

Responsibilities:

Performs all cytologic tests ordered by a physician using automated and/or manual methods. Repeats any test necessary, if said test is unsuitable for diagnosis.

• Initial evaluation of all non-gyn specimens and abnormal gyn cases.
• Renders interpretation on all negative gyn specimens
• Refers abnormal and non-gyn specimens to technical specialist (after initial screen)
• Prepares appropriate reports and records on cytology specimens reviewed
• Correlates present and previous clinical and pathological history for each case as required for quality assurance monitors/logs. Performs all functions of specimen preparation, screening and collection, when necessary.
• Accession specimens
• Prepares non-gyn specimens
• Stain slides
• Label specimens and slides
• Answer telephone calls
• Retrieve reports and slides
• Re-coverslip slides as needed Assists clinicians with fine needle aspiration
• Help make aspiration smears
• Determine adequacy of specimens Document the slide interpretation results of each gynecologic and non-gyn category case examines or reviewed as specified under Cytology patient test management, quality control, quality assurance and proficiency testing requirements of CLIA-1988.

Each day, document the total number of slides examined/reviewed as well as the total number of slides examined/reviewed in any other laboratory and the same data for other Cytologists.

Assure that all remedial action is taken whenever test systems deviate from laboratory-established performance specifications.

Insure that patient Cytology test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning.

Research and development of new procedures.

Accept and complete job related projects. Comply with all Covenant and Laboratory policies, procedures and safety practices. Demonstrate working knowledge of appropriate safety protocol to include universal precautions, MSDS safety program, use of personal protective equipment in designated areas, and proper hand washing techniques.

Assist in the training of new employees under direct control of the General Supervisor.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Demonstrate a positive attitude in the workplace showing dependability, cooperation, and desire to produce the most accurate, timely and cost effective results attainable.

Demonstrates excellent customer service.

Contributes to organization success targets for patient satisfaction and net operating margin.

• Newborn
• Infant
• Pediatric
• Child
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Geriatric

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Baccalaureate degree in laboratory science from an accredited college/university with documentation of one year of training under a CAHEA accredited school of technology OR prior to September 1, 1992, an Associate Degree in laboratory science from an accredited college/university with documentation of one year of training under a CAHEA accredited school of technology.
• At least two years of full-time experience in high-complexity Cytology testing examining cytology slide preparations.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Technical knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the various areas of the clinical lab.
• LIS applications (i.e. Cerner applications and databases)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• To utilize independent judgment and work autonomously
• Demonstrate a positive attitude in the workplace showing dependability, cooperation, and desire to produce the most accurate, timely, and cost effective results attainable.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Constantly sitting, near vision.

Frequent walking, handling, finger dexterity, talking, hearing, midrange vision, depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision.

Frequent lifting up to 10 lbs.

Occasional standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, crawling, twisting, reaching, feeling, far vision, field of vision.

Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.