Cytology Lab Assistant

Job Summary

The Cytology Lab Assistant will perform a variety of tasks related to the preparation of cytology specimens for microscopic examination, routine maintenance of the equipment used for duties such as specimen preparation and filing of blocks, slides, and reports.

• Responsible for all routine daily laboratory tasks as communicated by management
• Communicate efficiently and cordially with internal customers (cytology) and with external customers (other departments, pathologists, clients, etc.) via phone, email, in-person, etc.
• Notify manager immediately of any outliers or equipment failures
• Accession Specimens
• Process and concentrate specimens
• T-2000 Thin Prep processing
• Slide printing with Slide Mate Printer – operation, care, maintenance of Slide Mate
• Slide staining and cover slipping
• Assemble cases for screening
• Document and prepare according to procedure LCA paps received and distribute with appropriate paperwork, i.e. QA sheets, requisitions, patient paperwork, etc., to pathologists
• Document sending of slides to LCA, communicate with internal and external customers
• Deliver SEPA screened slides to pathologists
• Monitor and record temperatures daily at the start of shift. Make adjustments as necessary.
• Responsible for inventory control and ordering of supplies
• Prepare stock reagents as necessary (e.g., dilutions of alcohol: 50%, 70%, 80%, 95%)
• Waste removal and/or tracking, handling and disposal
• Label, date, and store hazardous waste in flammable cabinet. Empty hazardous waste containers as directed by department manager.
• Maintain clean work area
• Clean and perform preventative maintenance on equipment
• Maintain logs/records
• Maintain safety standards and documentation of the Cytology lab according to guidelines and protocols.
• Monthly equipment/cleaning/staining/maintenance records and charts maintained on a daily, weekly, monthly basis as appropriate. Records and charts given to the manager monthly.
• Perform procedures according to written policies and follow the prescribed quality control measures
• Read, understand and follow all applicable SOPs
• Attend and participate in department meetings, training, or developmental opportunities
• Special projects as assigned
• Other duties as assigned