University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Pathology

Job Title: Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant

Position #: 845000 – Requisition #: 38884

Job Summary:

The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant is a full-time position that performs a variety of routine and non-routine technical and administrative/clerical duties in the clinical histology laboratory setting under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing specimens and in solving non-routine problems. The Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost-effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of preparing all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant receives all histology specimens while checking paperwork for complete and accurate clinical information. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant will then organize the specimens and assist in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems. This is extremely important in overall patient care. Inappropriate processing, lost specimens, or incorrectly labeled specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses which can cause repeat procedures or life-threatening treatment choices. Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant must be familiar with many laboratory policies and procedures. The position also assists in maintenance of the histology area by stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing workstations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures. 

Key Responsibilities:

• (80 %) Prepare and maintain surgical blocks.  Stain, coverslip, label and deliver materials.   Work will be reviewed as part of QA program.  Logs will also be reviewed to ensure accurate entry for labels.

• (3%) Prepare and organize specimens for permanent storage.  Blocks are regularly pulled from storage, and problems will be readily identified.  Performs computer data entry, recall, and labeling on complex pathology network (LIS).

• (1%) Take temperatures of paraffin baths, pots, ovens, cryostats, refrigerators and maintain charts of temperatures Performs routine preventive maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all lab equipment.

• (2%) Make and change staining solutions for H&E stains in frozen section areas and in Histology lab.  Wash glassware and assist in identifying outdated chemicals, stock shortages and ordering supplies Prepares and examines solutions for contamination, impurities, or instability.

• (1%) Assist in cleaning and maintaining all Histology equipment including recording temperatures and changing solutions according to the daily maintenance schedule.  Observe all safety and infectious disease protocol

• (2%) Maintains archive Histological slides and blocks.

• (2%) Performs all procedures in a timely manner.

• (1%) Answer laboratory phone properly and take information correctly.

• (2%) Assists in the ordering of laboratory supplies to maintain proper inventory.

• (2%) Knowledgeable of all lab procedures and specimen submission require