Job Summary:

The Laboratory Assistant, Histopathology performs a variety of laboratory and clerical duties related to the preparation and processing of tissue specimen slides for interpretation by laboratory technologists and pathologists, including tasks such as receiving and logging diagnostic specimens, performing various tissue preparation techniques, and staining, mounting and coverslipping slides.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.Provides assistance to pathologists and laboratory technologists in gross tissue description, specimen dissection and specimen triage by performing duties such as taking notes and recording observations for transcribing to file, handling tissues, and preparing, labelling and organizing block cassettes.   Changes fixative on breast specimens for overnight fixation and sets same specimens onto magnetic stirrers.

2.Assists in the maintenance of accurate identification of all materials to include knowledge of current clinical trials involving Histopathology specimens. Ensures pathologist is aware of incoming specimens for analysis by checking resources such as Operating Room slate, identifying and informing appropriate pathologist as per specialty area, of the incoming work.

3.Monitors receipt of specimens by performing duties such as receiving or picking up specimens for histological examination from external customers and processing appropriate documentation according to established procedures, Checks specimen type to ensure they follow the appropriate procedure regarding correct handling and treatment.  Logs tissue specimens into the appropriate database, assigns surgical numbers as required. Updates database information as required. Prints out required schedules and reports.  Retrieves current patient diagnostic status for technical use. Prints and fixes labels to glass slides for section cutting according to established guidelines. Retrieves frozen specimens and updates the database accordingly.

4.Loads machines, changes, replenishes or recycles reagents by handling reagents according to established procedures.

5.Processes test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issues new patient identification number (ID#) where required and identifies duplicate record problems, obtains or clarifies missing or questionable information, corrects errors and omissions in patient demographic data and enters corrections into computer systems.  Enters test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

6.Recycles solvents according to established procedures.

7.Responds to requests for test results, faxes same, as required.  Forwards requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.

8.Receives telephone/fax requests for information and directs requests according to established procedures.

9.Files and organizes records, such as requisitions, statistical information and work schedules.

10.Identifies and communicates operational issues and computer/equipment related problems to supervisor.

11.Organizes, stores, and retrieves specimens under appropriate conditions, documents and ships samples to other laboratories and discards samples according to established procedures. Prints and fixes labels to glass slides for section cutting according to established guidelines. Retrieves frozen specimens and updates the database accordingly.

12.Files and retrieves blocks and immunohistochemistry control slides for Histopathology follow-up, special studies and trials following established procedures

13.Prepares, records, and sends specimens and appropriate request forms to outside/referral laboratories and hospitals according to Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and other regulatory requirements.

14.Orders and receives supplies.

15.Delivers samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory section.

16.Maintains laboratory equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges autostainers, coverslippers and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning, and temperature recording.  Performs maintenance procedures according to established procedures.  Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.  

17.Maintains daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedure by performing duties such as: preparing fresh disinfectant solutions; wiping bench tops and equipment following established procedures; cleaning centrifuges and testing and maintaining the section safety eyewash and shower according to established weekly and monthly procedures. Performs waste management duties as per standard operating procedures.

18.Keeps workstations well stocked with supplies.  Monitors supplies and advises lead hand or designate when supplies need replenishing and performs related duties such as receiving, recording and storing new shipments of supplies.

19.Demonstrates work routines to new laboratory personnel, as requested.

20.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•Completion of Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Lab Assistant training program plus one (1) year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

•Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•Ability to deal with others effectively.
•Ability to organize work.
•Ability to operate keyboard, perform data entry, use word processing and email.
•Ability to type at 25 wpm.
•Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
•Ability to operate related equipment.
•Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.