Cytology Specimen Prep Technologist/Technician - Per Diem

Position Summary

At Stony Brook Medicine, a TH Clinical Laboratory Technologist is a valuable member of our team, who provides clinical services to our patient population, and will also Interact in a professional manner with nursing staff, physicians, support staff, peers and other members of the hospital community. Will maintain a general knowledge of safe practices and conducts oneself in a manner consistent with those practices to insure the safety of all Laboratory personnel. Qualified candidates will demonstrate superior patient care and possess outstanding communication skills while adhering to our high standard of excellence.

Duties of a TH Clinical Laboratory Technologist may include but are not limited to the following:

Receipt and Acceptance of Cytology specimens:

• Check patient ID (All tracking forms, requisitions, and specimen containers must have at least two matching patient identifiers).
• Register patient, accession case, and properly affix labels on specimen containers, processing tubes, and slides using department LIS (CoPath) and specimen tracking system (Ventana Vantage).
• Hold or forward specimen for Molecular Testings (HPV and ThyroSeq) per physician's requests.

Preparation of Cytology Specimen:

• Prepare GYN specimens utilizing ThinPrep Processor.
• Prepare Non-GYN specimens utilizing established protocols (Cytospin, ThinPrep Processor, and cell blocks).

Stain and Coverslip Prepared Microscope Slides:

• Stain GYN and Non-GYN microscope slides on automated stainer utilizing departmental staining protocols.
• Coverslip stained slides on automated coverslipper utilizing departmental protocols.

Specimen Storage and Disposal:

• Store all fresh fluid and specimens in refrigerator at 2-8 degree Celsius at all times except for during processing.
• Keep all processed and residual Non-GYN specimens in refrigerator at 2-8 degree Celsius and ThinPrep vial at room temperature for at least 2 weeks/10 working days.
• Keep all GYN ThinPrep vial after processing for at least 6 weeks.
• Discard biological and chemical waste following established protocols and procedures.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Perform mandatory quality control (QC) maintenance checks on equipment.
• Filter reagents on automated stainer daily, clean stainer and refill with fresh reagents biweekly.

Safety:

• Maintain safe work practices established by regulatory agencies, Hospital, Environment Health and Safety, and Departmental procedures and policies.
• Utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Must understand and comply with all JCAHO/CAP/NYSDOH/EH&S compliance regulations and standards.

Compliance with Standards and Protocols:

• Must understand and comply with all JCAHO/CAP/NYSDOH/EH&S compliance regulations and standards.
• Must follow all laboratory procedures and protocols and interpretation of such policies as necessary to ensure proper patient care and safe work practices, includes using appropriate engineering and administrative controls and/or wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Hospital, Environmental Health and Safety as well as HIPAA policies need to be strictly followed.

Troubleshooting:

• Troubleshoot machines based on instructions on vendor manual or call vendor's service line for assistance.
• Document all corrective actions.

Inventory Control:

• Maintain inventory control of reagents and supplies.
• Order office supplies.
• Keep the laboratory adequately stocked at all times.

Staff Training and Development:

• Training and competency assessment of new staff or staff responsible for coverage.
• Provide overview of cytology preparation laboratory workflow, preparation methods, and techniques to residents, fellows, students, etc.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree in Biological Science or Laboratory Technology. In lieu of a degree, prior relevant laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
• Basic manual dexterity and basic computer skills.
• Highly organized, good multitasking skills, team player, and good communication skills.
• NYSDOH Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) or Histotechnician (HT) License.
• Basic motility, ability to stand or sit for extended periods, ability to lift or carry light to moderate weights, safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, or related field. Completion of a Clinical Laboratory Technology, Histotechnology, or Laboratory Technician training program.
• 2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory, ideally in cytology preparation or specimen processing.
• Familiarity with cytology specimen preparation techniques, including smearing, ThinPrep slide and cell block preparation, staining, and cytospin. Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS). Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety standards, infection control, and regulatory compliance (CAP, CLIA, JCAHO, HIPAA).
• Excellent interpersonal and effective communication skills, strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
• NYSDOH Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CLS) or Histotechnologist (HTL) License.