SURGICAL PATHOLOGY TECHNICIAN

Accurately examines surgical biopsy specimens, enters specimens into Laboratory Information System (LIS), and maintains supplies and instruments within Gross Autopsy Pathology.

Responsibilities :

• Attend mandatory safety, compliance and other meetings required by laboratory and hospital guidelines.
• Examine and prepare surgical biopsy specimens for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities.
• Consistently provide an accurate gross description of surgical specimens as recorded in case report for pathologist.
• Perform additional special specimen handling radiography, photography, special fixation, etc.
• File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintain accurate records of all such activities.
• Maintain record logs for the equipment.
• Replenish supplies for physicians' offices.
• Ensure proper operation, repair and replacement, and preventative maintenance of area equipment and tools.
• Verify complete and accurate patient identification on specimen requisition and container and reject specimens with conflicting / inadequate patient identifiers.
• Correlate patient history with specimen type and consult admitting clinician with conflicts.
• Utilize voice recognition software during documentation of specimen gross appearance.
• Receive, sort, and verify patient identifiers as cases are accessioned with bar coded labels.
• Perform proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety.
• Document discrepancy and resolution in APLIS.
• Perform clerical / computer entry functions including ordering departmental supplies and maintaining adequate stock.
• Attend in-services, lectures, and training classes, as required.
• Receive and accession specimens in LIS.

Qualifications :

Associate's degree in a laboratory science AND 2 years of hospital laboratory experience; OR Bachelor's degree in biology or related health sciences required AND 1 year of hospital laboratory experience preferred.

Knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory information system experience preferred. Good oral and written communication skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups and populations of external and internal customers as well as co-workers both by telephone and in-person.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran