Job Summary:

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

 

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Receives and triages specimens by performing duties such as picking up specimens for cytological examination, cross checking sample against requisition to verify information such as patient name and type of specimen, assigning specimen number, logging into appropriate data base and processing appropriate documentation according to established procedures.  Updates database information as required.  Prints out required schedules and reports.  Prints and fixes labels to glass slides according to established guidelines.
2. Prepares specimens for cytological examination according to appropriate standard operating procedure for specimen type by performing duties such as: checking specimen type to identify correct handling and treatment of specimen; performing techniques such as pick and smear, centrifugation, and cytocentrifugation; staining and mounting slides; and checking quality using a variety of established procedures.
3. Loads machines, changes, replenishes or recycles reagents by handling reagents according to established procedures.
4. 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).
5. Recycles solvents according to established procedures.
6. Responds to requests for test results, faxes same, as required.  Forwards requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.
7. Receives telephone/fax requests for information and directs requests according to established procedures.
8. Files and organizes records, such as requisitions, statistical information and work schedules.
9. Identifies and communicates operational issues and computer/equipment related problems to supervisor.
10. Organizes, stores, and retrieves specimens under appropriate conditions, documents and ships samples to other laboratories and discards samples according to established procedures.
11. 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.
12. Orders and receives supplies.
13. Delivers samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory section.
14. 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.  
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Demonstrates work routines to new laboratory personnel, as requested.
18. 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.

 

** Please note: Support for nomination with the BC Provincial Nominee Program is not a guarantee, entitlement or an employee benefit after receiving a full time job offer with PHSA**