Senior Cytologist

Performs microscopic screening of gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) slide preparations, for the detection of precancerous and cancerous conditions. The incumbent provides assistance and adequacy assessment on the majority of Fine Needle Aspirate procedures. The incumbent must have knowledge of the field of cytology and be able to perform cytopreparatory procedures. The person in this position must meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments personnel standards for the specialty of Cytopathology.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, chemical, physical, biological sciences, or a related field required

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE:

• Cytotechnologist/Cytologist (ASCP) certified required

• Microscopic screening of Thin Prep Pap Tests, conventional Pap smears, and body fluids. 
• Independently makes diagnostic evaluations during microscopic screening of gynecological and non-gynecological smears and cell blocks. 
• Independently prepares a concise report of each sample, describing microscopic findings and conclusions in accepted terminology. 
• Determines adequacy and quality of samples submitted for evaluation. 
• Responsible for rendering and reporting out final interpretations on negative gynecologic specimens. 
• Rescreens designated quality control and high-risk specimens in accordance with regulatory requirements and established laboratory procedure. This requires a minimum of three years’ experience in gynecologic cytology, and authorization by the cytopathology faculty director and manager/supervisor. 
• Responsible for recording workload information for subsequent analysis within the laboratory.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Service Manages supply inventory in all Fine Needle Aspirate service areas. 
• Prepares Fine Needle Aspirate’s by reviewing patient clinical history, completing requisition form, preparing, and staining slides. 
• Provides microscopic adequacy assessment to physicians and provides assistance to the cytopathologist in determining preliminary diagnosis. 
• Advise medical staff in appropriate specimen triage and collection procedures, as needed. 
• Participates in Fine Needle Aspirate team to develop and update procedures for continued improvement of the Fine Needle Aspirate service. 
• Collection of quality assurance data Responsible for retrieving all appropriate quality control data from the laboratory information system. 
• Collects, evaluates, and reports quality control data on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Inventory Control and Supply Ordering Establishes an inventory and ordering system for all supplies. 
• Manages laboratory supplies.
• Independently processes Gynecological specimens according to established protocols. 
• Independently processes body fluids and CSF analysis. 
• Independently stains and prepares slides for microscopic evaluation. 
• Responsible for maintaining instruments and perform quality control procedures. 
• Prepare and maintain processing reagents and stains. 
• Prepare and perform initial evaluation on wet film slides on body fluids for high-risk staining assessment. 
• Prepare cell blocks from non-gynecologic material per procedure protocols.
• Establishes and writes laboratory procedures that follow the guidelines for the College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments regulations related to work area. 
• Trains and teaches new employees.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.