Cyto Laboratory Coordinator-QHC-20051-001

Under general supervision of Cytology management, performs a variety of microscopic and related laboratory procedures, such as screening pap smears and non-gynecological specimens in cytology section in accordance with set departmental policies and procedures in order to aid in treatment of disease. Screens prepared specimens in accordance with regulatory guidelines, working with minimal supervision and reporting results to supervisors, particularly those results involving exceptions, abnormalities or negative results; validates and verifies all tests in accordance with quality assurance/CQI guidelines. Enters requisite data into computerized system and completes all relevant medical documentation. May accession and stain patient specimens in accordance with established clinical protocols.  Sets up, adjusts and operates all relevant microscopic and other equipment. Maintains cleanliness of equipment and general working area, stocking clinical supplies. Ensures proper equipment operation, reporting problems to supervisors. May provide instruction to medical students and residents. May prepare and stain slides when necessary.  Does not provide direct care; provides support to all patient areas via examinations to detect disease.

1. * Under general supervision, performs and/or assists in performing screening of prepared, stained pap smears, non-gynecological specimens and other slides in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures to detect presence of disease, carcinomas, etc.; completes all required documentation, performs all required data entry and performs all required quality assurance/CQI procedures. Assists cytopathologist with special testing or examinations. Performs basic, routine and advanced diagnostic procedures in accordance with knowledge of techniques, principles and instruments and their inter-relationships as well as physiologic conditions affecting test results. Examines a maximum of 100 slides/day, not to exceed 12.5 slides/hour, pro rata based on non-microscopic duties; enters preliminary and final results in system; performs daily sign-out with cytopathologist or appropriate individual.   

2. * Under general supervision, completes quality assurance/CQI functions for all types of slides, particularly for pap smears, composing the major component of slides processed and examined. Ensures compliance with data entry and data preparation requirements supporting quality assurance/CQI program. Completes all documentation; maintains all records; and logs in all information in accordance with set procedures and institutional and regulatory guidelines.   

3. * May be required to accession, stain, mount and label specimens in accordance with departmental protocols. May perform related duties of cytopreparatory technician during absences, heavy workload and staffing shortages.

4.  * Performs support functions maintaining work area quality; maintains files and statistics. May answer telephones for area and record messages. Maintains clean work station and equipment and maintains stock of clinical supplies. May prepare reagents, solutions and stains in accordance with procedure.

5. * Ensures good working order of equipment. Troubleshoots routine equipment problems or seeks technical assistance, keeping supervisor(s) informed.

6. May provide guidance and "lead" function to other technical and support staff. 

7. Performs other related duties as assigned or required as professional technologist. May assist with training and orientation of residents and clinical students from various departments and external institutions.

8. Performance of Rapid On-Site Evaluations (ROSE).

* indicates duty is “essential” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

-Job requires a minimum level of knowledge normally acquired through completion of Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology or Basic Science in order to acquire familiarity with biology, anatomy, physiology; special one-year accredited cytotechnology training program required in order to gain familiarity with abnormal cell structure, as observed in body fluids, scrapings, tissue samples.  

-Licensure as a Cytotechnologist by the New York State Department of Education is mandatory. ASCP or equivalent specialty certification required.

-Prior work experience of one year is desired in order to gain on-the-job familiarity with cytology techniques; experience in large-scale healthcare organization or high-volume production environment to gain seasoned familiarity with processing specimens in production environment preferred. Should be familiar with most major types/models of microscopic equipment for cytology.

-Good analytical skills necessary for examination of slides under minimal supervisio