Laboratory Technician (Cytology)

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for independently triaging, accessioning, and processing Cytology specimens.

Performs QC and QA, maintenance, and maintains processing instrumentation for safety and compliance purposes. This position provides support to the Cytotechnologist.

Identifies and resolves problems with test analysis and consults with the supervisors, Director of Laboratory Administration, or the Director of Services when appropriate and according to established protocol.

Handles day to day bench related problems with little supervision and is the liaison for the department when the Cytotechnologists, The Anatomic Pathology Manager or Pathologist is not available.

Essential Functions :

• Specimen Accessioning. (5%)
• Processing and staining of gynecologic, non-gynecology, and fine needle aspiration specimen. (5%)
• Prepares cell-blocks. (5%)
• Responsible for triage, organization, and execution of daily work to ensure consistent turnaround times. (5%)
• Responsible for reagent and instrument maintenance. (5%)
• Proficient, accurate, timely filing and distribution of diagnostic material (specimen, blocks / cassettes, slides, etc.). (5%)
• Performs instrument QC, preventative maintenance, and environmental controls. (5%)
• Ensure proper labeling, handling, preservation, processing, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens. (5%)
• Determine proper fixative solutions in which specimen will be maintained. (5%)
• Inventory management. (5%)
• Submit samples requested for ancillary procedures when appropriate (i.e. flow cytometry). (5%)
• Label, storage, retention, and disposal of cytology specimen. (5%)
• Provides assistance to the Cytotechnologists and Pathologists in a timely and quality manner. (5%)
• Provides troubleshooting assistance and support to technical staff and with the vendors to ensure uptime and testing turnaround times with equipment and for testing procedures. (5%)
• Maintains environment of care, daily cleaning of workspace, and instruments (5%)
• Assist in specialized collections and processing such as : bone marrow, fine needle aspiration, etc. (5%)
• Advises and consults with the appropriate supervisor regarding troubleshooting, investigations, and quality control issues. (5%)
• Participates in huddles or meetings and communicates quality activities inside and outside of the laboratory when needed. (5%)
• Practices compliance with safety, regulatory and accrediting agencies. (5%)
• Acts as a resource, gives direction and guidance to technical, clinical and support personnel. (5%)
• Trains for new technology or new testing as new technology or testing is released. (0%)
• Assists with writing policies and procedures as delegated. (0%)
• Participates in huddles or meetings and communicate quality activities inside and outside of the laboratory when needed. (0%)
• Follows and ensures safety, life safety, and infection control procedures for self, patients, and others. (0%)
• Assist supervisor in developing departmental cohesion. (0%)

Education :

Post High School Diploma or Certificate Program Required

Work Experience :

1-3 years as a laboratory technician in a hospital / medical or research laboratory Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Basic understanding of Cytopathology techniques and Ancillary Testing (flow cytometry, special stains, immunohistochemistry, etc.)
• Knowledge of Cytology coding.
• General knowledge of specimen sources and collection procedures to accurately perform accessioning.
• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues relative to testing in the area of oversight.
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented work relative to completing ancillary testing paperwork, accessioning, and handling specimens for processing and testing.
• Ability to work professionally with patients and coworkers.
• Knowledge of laboratory terminology and equipment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.
• Ability to receive and accurately process patient specimens.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to perpetuate teamwork.
• Familiar with regulatory compliance in Quality Control (QC) and competency requirements.
• Good communication and customer relation skills.
• Ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented work in identifying, accessioning, and handling specimens for processing and testing.
• Knowledge of safety and infection control practices to ensure a safe environment of care.
• Ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
• Computer skills required; in addition, Microsoft Word and Excel experience
• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues

Shift

Work Type

Regular

Salary

$23.15 - $31.32 / hr

Benefits

Outstanding benefits including up to 27 paid days off per year, immediate retirement plan employer contribution up to 9.

5%, and generous medical plans

Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)

On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes

Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more

Tuition reimbursement & assistance

Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching

Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program

National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

Our Values

Respect

Belonging

Accountability

Transparency

All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, a Public Health Institute, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured.

Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

We strongly support diversity in the workforce and Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Denver Health values the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. For more about our commitment to diversity visit :

Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.