Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology performs a variety of site specific laboratory and clerical duties related to the preparation and processing of tissue specimen slides for interpretation by laboratory technologists and pathologists, including tasks such as receiving and preparing pathology specimens for analysis, performing related cleaning and maintenance duties as delegated by the supervisor.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Provides assistance to pathologists in gross tissue description and fine needle aspiration. Picks up and accessions correctly labelled specimens by checking container and requisition information, sorting and prioritizing according to established protocols, assigning accession numbers and labelling cassettes.
2. Loads cassettes on tissue processors, changes, recycles and disposes of reagents by following established procedures.
3. Labels glass slides for section cutting according to established procedures.
4. Disposes of pathology samples according to established procedures.
5. Prepares specimens and other items for shipment by packaging, labeling, filling out requisitions to send to other laboratories as appropriate.
6. Maintains laboratory equipment, such as tissue processors, stainers, coverslippers, refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, water baths and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning and temperature recording. Performs maintenance procedures according to established procedures. Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.
7. Keeps workstations well stocked with supplies. Monitors supplies and advises supervisor when supplies need replenishing and performs related duties such as receiving, recording and storing new shipments of supplies.
8. Maintains daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedure.
9. Receives telephone/fax requests for information and directs requests according to established procedures.
10. Files and organizes reports, requisitions, specimens, blocks and slides.
11. Enters workload units in the computer system.
12. Demonstrates work routines to new laboratory personnel.
13. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
Completion of Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Lab Assistant training program plus one (1) year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Skills and Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to type at 25 wpm.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.