Fairview Health Services is looking for a fulltime Surgical Pathology Technician. This position is primarily based at Fairview Southdale Hospital with potential to travel between different work sites ( Fairview Ridges Hospital ) to meet staffing needs. 8:00AM-4:30PM; start time may vary to provide adequate staffing coverage; 6 week Saturday on call rotation for Bone Marrow coverage.

The Surgical Pathology Technician (SPT) performs all work processes necessary for the preparation or procurement of specimens (blocks, slides, tissue, other) used for high complexity testing as defined by CLIA'88. The SPT possesses knowledge of the pathology/clinical laboratories (Cytology, Cytogenetic, Hematopathology, Molecular, Histology, or other), recognizes problems, identifies basic causes, and makes corrections using established protocols. The SPT processes data based on knowledge of technical conditions affecting diagnostic test results and performs procedures within established parameters. The SPT collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote patient and provider experience. The SPT works independently under general supervision.

Identifies and processes samples

• Obtains appropriate specimen from lab or storage areas.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing/ processing
• Verifies correct identification of specimens/tissue before testing/ processing.
• Interacts with providers/pathologists to determine orders.
• Routes samples to the appropriate pathologists.
• Maintains tight inventory control of samples to assure custody of irretrievable samples

Accession, order, enter specimens/tests into the computer system

• Reviews and submits orders for provider approval. Enters required information in Sunquest and CoPath computer systems for in house and reference laboratory testing.
• Verifies patient identification, demographics, ordering physician and tests ordered.
• Performs reception duties for the Pathology Laboratory.
• Maintains a clean and organized working environment.
• Assists Pathologists Assistants as needed.

Performs technical work processes

• Operates laboratory equipment and information systems according to written procedures.
• Edits electronic test reports as needed and routes to pathologists for sign out.
• Determines appropriate reference test based on provider order.
• Tracks specimens to ensure results are received and resulted in a timely manner.
• Enters and analyzes data effectively and accurately.

Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them

• Identifies problems and makes corrections using established protocols
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Obtains assistance from supervisor or others if unable to resolve issues.
• Conducts and tabulates quality audits.
• Documents deviations and actions taken.
• Works independently under general supervision.
• Produces data for quality review and quality improvement.

Regulatory and compliance

• Provides feedback for procedures to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintains logs of quality functions, e.g., autopsy billing.
• Maintains complete and orderly inventory of historical slides
• Verifies billing for accuracy and enters corrections per protocol.
• Trains staff, residents, fellows as needed.
• Completes competency assessments.

Contributes to a positive patient and provider experience

• Is respectful to all internal and external customers.
• Responds to questions from families regarding autopsies.
• Responds to questions from nursing staff and providers regarding send out testing and result status.
• Communicates with pathologists to identify appropriate sample for testing and appropriateness of order.
• Responds to special requests from pathologists.
• Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or 24 credits college coursework with emphasis in biology & chemistry

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree or Medical Assistant degree
• 1-2 year of experience in a clinical laboratory or anatomic diagnostic laboratory

Other required skills

• Demonstrates the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations
• Ability to exercise independent judgement
• Demonstrates manual dexterity
• Basic computer and keyboarding skills