Position Summary

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Under the supervision of a pathologist provides technical assistance in all areas of anatomical pathology. Describes and examines surgical specimens, performs autopsy pro-section, obtains appropriate specimens for microscopic evaluation and describes findings. May assist in the preparation, processing and determination of needle aspirates and renal biopsies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

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1. Oversees the gross room, the frozen section area and morgue facilities.

2. Monitors the specimens as they arrive in the gross room and accessions specimens as needed. Performs routine gross dissection in consultation with the pathologist.

3. Assist in the preparation and dissection of human surgical specimens, including:

a. Assures appropriate specimen accessioning,

b. Obtains the clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.,

c. Describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens and prepares tissues for processing,

d. Obtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological material, flow cytometry, image analysis, etc.) and performs special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion studies, tumor triage, and faxitron,

e. Photographs pertinent specimens and microscopic slides as directed.

4. Assists in the preparation and performance of human postmortem examinations, including:

a. Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy,

b. Retrieves patient’s chart and other pertinent data for review,

c. Confers with the pathologist(s) to identify the special techniques and procedures required (e.g., histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral or electron microscopic suites, cultures, smears, etc.) and notifies all personnel directly involved,

d. Notifies the physician in charge, the funeral home liaison, and other authorities prior to the dissection to coordinate special requests for specimen sampling,

e. Performs postmortem examinations, which may include: external examination, in situ organ inspections, evisceration dissection and dictation or recording of data and gross anatomic findings,

f. In collaboration with the pathologists(s), selects and prepares gross tissue sections,

g. Obtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological material, etc.) and upon direction for special procedures,

h. Photographs body, organs, microscopic slides, and other relative materials,

i. May assist in assembling data necessary for the preparation of the preliminary summarization of the clinical history,

j. Assists in the release of the body to the correct mortuary, following proper restoration and indicating any biohazards that may be present.

5. Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.

6. Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from a Pathology Assistant Program OR completion of a post-bachelor’s program from an approved school of pathology OR Bachelor of Science with background in physiology and anatomy and three years of pathology experience.

• Pathologist Assistant Certification, or eligible to take the Pathologist Assistant Certification exam and must be certified within 18 months of hire or transfer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience assisting with gross description and dissection of surgical tissue.