Cytotechnologist

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Medical Director, performs specialized and technical cytology examinations to determine pathological conditions. Maintains laboratory equipment and records following established accreditation guidelines and quality control standards. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

Responsible To:
Pathology Senior Tech, Laboratory Manager, Director of Laboratory Services, Executive Team Leader, and Laboratory Medical Director

Workers Supervised:
None

Inter-Relationships:
Works closely with lab employees. Has contact with patients, their families, physicians and their office staff, nursing personnel and hospital staff both in person and on the telephone. Internal and external customers.

• Perform specialized and technical cytology examinations according to established procedures including accurately screening GYN and non‑GYN cytology samples.
• Under general supervision, examines microscopically and interprets gynecologic and non‑gynecologic slides for infectious, reactive/reparative and abnormal cells. Refers appropriate cases for pathologist review.
• Processes and prepares specimens for examination, labels slides/specimens, records classifications on slides and alerts pathologists to abnormal cell structures for further examination.
• Accurately enters data and results within the laboratory information system.
• Maintains accurate quality assurance records.
• Prepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information.
• Serves as a technical resource and troubleshoots problems in the daily operation of equipment and specimen evaluation.
• Operates, calibrates, prepares and maintains equipment.
• May assist with fine needle aspirations.
• Operate equipment as trained for specimen preparation.
• Answer the telephone, using good communication skills.
• Use the computer to order tests, determine tests ordered, verify tests, and cancel tests.
• Collect specimens from surgery and other patient care areas.
• Maintain general cleanliness and orderliness of the laboratory.
• Cooperative and demonstrates willingness to assist in special projects, i.e., Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement for the pathologist/cytologist when requested.
• Understands and follows Universal precautions at all times.
• Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of this institution.
• Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports hospital mission, vision, and value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

• Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipates needed supplies; places and expedites orders for supplies.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Monitor Quality Improvement (CQI/QA/QM) projects, supply data for Laboratory’s CQI /QA committee on a month basis, and attend monthly QA/QM Meetings.
• Perform special projects in a timely manner by meeting deadlines set by the Laboratory Manager.
• Perform other necessary duties as requested by the Medical Director, Departmental Director, and Laboratory Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from a Cytotechnologist program accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or other organization approved by HHS.
• Certified as a cytotechnologist by a certification agency approved by HHS, certification eligible and certified before hire.

• Must be a board‑certified Cytotechnologist or meet the requirements for certification eligibility.