Cytotechnologist I

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Prepares and stains cytologic material for routine procedures; evaluates examination results as prescribed by standard procedures.
• Routes findings to Pathologist for diagnosis. Performs other related duties as required. Properly uses laboratory equipment.
• Calibrates, performs preventive maintenance, and troubleshoots equipment and instrument malfunctions.
• Prepares reagents, stains, and solutions as needed. Assists in inventorying and ordering lab supplies. Works with manager to formulate plan for professional development. Attends educational in-services as appropriate.
• Participates in professional activities and organizations to maintain knowledge of current trends, practices, and developments.
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation of patient information, equipment, results of specimen analysis, and slide screening totals to comply with regulations. Maintains clean, orderly and safe work area.
• Complies with hospital and laboratory safety and infection control policies and procedures to prevent exposure to infectious materials.
• May educate staff, residents, fellows, or students by demonstrating procedures and assisting in continuing education activities May prepare specimens for cytopathologic examination.
• Evaluates cytologic material for carcinoma or other diagnoses and completes all daily assigned screening. Reviews quality of staining and the adequacy of the specimen to support an adequate diagnosis.
• Accurately reports results to appropriate individuals and notes any abnormal or unexpected examination results.
• Audits computer reports to ensure that requests tests have been completed. Evaluates validity of examination results.
• Gathers data to monitor quality improvement standards. Performs established procedures and equipment tests to support an accurate diagnosis.
• Assists the Pathologist and Radiologist on fine needle aspiration biopsy procedures and is competent in giving an adequacy assessment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in medical technology, clinical lab science or a chemical, physical or biological science.
• Other bachelors degree will be accepted if graduated from an accredited school of cytology or if science and math coursework meet requirement of certifying agency.
• Education Exception: Bachelors degree may be waived for a cytologist who was ASCP certified in the years prior to the bachelors degree requirement by ASCP and a HEW/HHS technologist certified by Health and Human Services.
• Experience in Gynecological, Non-gynecological and FNA cytology preferred. Certification as CT (ASCP) or CT- eligible by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
• Certification must be obtained within eighteen months of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock , Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation , Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.