Pathology Grossing Technician

Overview

The Pathology Grossing Technician works independently using medical knowledge to perform human specimen examination for diagnosis and patient treatment. The laboratory receives and processes specimens from the operating rooms and clinics throughout the hospital and health care organization. Specimens are also received from external clients and research groups.

This Pathology Grossing Technician functions in support of and as an adjunct to the physicians in Pathology. The Pathology Grossing Technician is responsible for dissecting and dictating gross descriptions of both routine, uncomplicated specimens (small biopsies and simple excisions) as well larger resection specimens including high-complexity cancer resections (hysterectomies, prostatectomies, mastectomies, colectomies, gastrectomies, and others). The Pathology Grossing Technician is responsible for grossly identifying tumors and selecting sections for microscopic examination, including surgical margins and any sections relevant for cancer staging. The incumbent must maintain competency and keep abreast of changing techniques and requirements in Anatomic Pathology dissection.

Responsibilities

Assure appropriate specimen identification and accessioning.

Obtain the clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc., as indicated after consulting with the Pathologist.

In association with the Pathologists, describe gross anatomic features: describe the overall specimen dimensions, structures, size, and appearance.

Dissect surgical specimens and prepare tissues for processing according to established procedures. For large/complex resection specimens (including cancer specimens), sections obtained should be sufficient for identification of tumor type and for subsequent grading and staging of the cancer.

Escalates non-routine complicated specimens to the Pathologist.

Exercises judgment by preserving samples for testing.

In collaboration with the Pathologist, obtain biological specimens for specialized analysis (flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc.) and upon direction of the Pathologist.

In collaboration with the Pathologist, prepare gross tissue sections for frozen section microscopy.

Photograph pertinent specimens.

Assure proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.

Maintains quality control/assurance activities and records.

Receive specimens and carefully check paperwork for accuracy and completeness. Contact ordering source if any information is incomplete.

Process test requests with accompanying specimens and enter orders as required. Use established policies and procedures for specimen acceptability and troubleshoot or clarify questions regarding specimen integrity.

Troubleshoot laboratory defined equipment and document system error codes.

Practice universal safety precautions according to hospital policy and procedures at all times (e.g. use of gloves, lab coat, and other Personal Protective Equipment).

Assume other responsibilities as directed by the supervisor.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum education is a Bachelor or Associate degree in clinical laboratory science or biological science from an accredited institution, or education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following:

• 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, or 24 semester hours of science courses that includes six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination.

Abilities are demonstrated in areas of assigned responsibilities by successful completion of annual laboratory competency testing.  Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills. Able to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time, reach and bend. Is able to lift a maximum of 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Vision and hearing must be normal or corrected to within normal. Normal color vision for those tasks requiring color differentiation. 

Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, laboratory chemicals and hazardous material.  Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.  Physical presence on site is essential.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Frequent interaction with others in the Laboratory and other departments in person, by telephone or by email, to resolve issues with patient care that are impacted by laboratory testing.  Due to the emotional and/or emergency nature of patient care some customers may be unpleasant, angry or discourteous in their requests for Laboratory services.