Cytotechnologist

Day (United States of America)

Cytotechnologist

This individual provides timely and courteous service to patients, physicians, and hospital staff by performing laboratory analyses accurately and efficiently on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.  Uses sophisticated instruments, equipment, methods and techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.  Detects unusual conditions and assumes responsibility for problem solving.  

- Bachelor’s degree in cytotechnology from an accredited institution or the equivalent as outlined in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, Chapter 42, section 493.1489 Standard: Testing personnel qualifications. 
- Sufficient experience to acquire a general knowledge of the overall function of a clinical laboratory.  Must be skilled in testing on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
- Florida Technologist License in specialty of Cytology; Certification with American Society of Clinical Pathologists or equivalent. 
- Completion of 4-6 week orientation period is required.   
- Performs routine procedures and techniques on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in cytology and histology such as sectioning, staining, coverslipping, and slide preparation.
- Recognizes, determines steps, and implements actions necessary to resolve problems. Uses independent judgment to determine validity of results; detects problems and develops resolutions.  Demonstrates technical competency through ability to correctly perform skills on annual technical competency evaluation checklist without error.
- Performs quality control with each test and/or instrument to check accuracy and reproducibility.
- Performs QC according to policy.  Recognizes and determines steps necessary to resolve quality control and communication problems; researches information and notifies supervisor of outcome.
- Recognizes abnormal results and accurately records reports.
- Correlates abnormal results with patient status or treatment. Detects abnormalities and communicates to physician or pathologist.
- Performs routine maintenance and calibration of instruments; recognizes malfunctions and performs troubleshooting within the scope of their training.
- Recognizes, determines steps, and implements actions necessary to resolve problems. Uses independent judgment to detect problems and develop resolutions.
- Receives and prepares specimens for analysis.
- Assumes responsibility for acceptable specimen integrity and patient identification. Monitors and takes action to identify problems affecting specimen integrity and patient identification; initiates corrective action.
- Stocks and prepares solutions and reagents following laboratory procedures and formulae.
- Manages inventory such that stock is rotated and maintained at sufficient levels to meet demand.  Accurately prepares reagents.
- Participates in training new employees; rotates in histology to assist other histotechs with workload.
- Provides bench training to students, new employees, and co-workers.  Helps and supports co-workers; Treats co-workers with respect and courtesy; Volunteers to flex personal work schedule to help laboratory meet interdepartmental goals.
- Performs various clerical duties; recording and phoning reports; answering telephones and returning reports, etc.
- Recognizes work needs and shares clerical duties as needed within department.  Anticipates customers’ needs and responds appropriately.
- Participates in continuing education and general laboratory meetings.
- Completes annual continuing education hours.  Attends and participates in educational in-services and meetings.
- Maintains a clean, hazard free work environment; observes and practices safety and hazard precautions.
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of safe handling of equipment and specimens. Reports problems and requests service as necessary. Uses PPE with no exceptions. Identifies safety problems. Responds according to protocol to fire drills and disaster drills.  
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Performs assignments as specified.  Willingly shares in less desirable tasks/schedules.  Recognizes the need for assistance in other areas and assists as workload allows.