Job Description

General Purpose of Job:

Receives, prepares, microscopically screens, and submits the diagnosis for specimens of body

fluids and other cellular materials to detect the presence of cancer and other pathological

conditions. Participates in fine needle aspiration of lesions.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Associates may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• Receives, logs and labels specimens of body fluids and cellular material such as cervical scrapings, pap smears, bronchial washings, peritoneal washings, effusions, and spinal fluid for examination.
• Preserves specimens by immersing in fixative solution. Processes specimens, prepares slides and coverslips according to established protocols.
• Utilizes microscope to screen slides for evidence of cancer or other pathological conditions by examining cell size, shape, color, etc.
• Refers to established classifications for separation of each slide according to cells observed and provides preliminary diagnosis of all slides examined to staff pathologist.
• Refers all non-gynocological and all abnormal findings to staff pathologist for further study and final diagnosis.
• Releases final diagnosis for majority of negative Pap smears.
• Submits any questionable Pap smear and at least 10% of normal Pap smear slides for review by a staff pathologist.
• Maintains records of all specimens received, all diagnoses and abnormal findings for both analytical and statistical purposes using computerized and paper records.
• Maintains cross-file of positive findings. Maintains slide files for reference purposes and retrieves reports and slides as requested by staff Pathologists.
• Prepares fixative and staining solutions following established protocols and changes solutions as necessary; stains slides according to accepted procedures.
• Performs routine service and maintenance duties in order to ensure cleanliness of work area, proper condition of equipment and adequate level of supplies.
• Participates in fine needle aspirations including scheduling procedure, assisting, preparing specimens, determining adequacy of sample, and providing a preliminary diagnosis.
• Serves as a role model for consistent demonstration of Sparrow Health System's
• Customer Service Behavioral Standards of Performance, by respecting the Privacy and Confidentiality of those we serve.
• Demonstrates knowledge and respects patient, service provider, organizational confidentiality and HIPAA Security procedures and protocols as defined under the HIPAA Privacy and Security Procedures.
• Follows established HIPAA privacy procedures when using and/or disclosing protected health information.

Maintains and protects patients rights under the HIPAA Privacy Standards.

Job Requirements

General Requirements	C.T.(ASCP) or eligible.
Work Experience	New or recent graduate from an approved school of Cytotechnology. ASCP certified technologist with limited/uninterrupted years of working experience
Education	Completion of B.S. degree with formal training in cytotechnology from an accredited program leading to a nationally recognized certificate as a cytotechnologist, CT(ASCP).
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	Ability to pass unannounced on-site CLIA inspection of cytology screening skills. Demonstrate ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on various types of laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, microscopes, computerized data entry, retrieval and reporting. The manual/visual dexterity necessary to microscopically examine and identify cellular structure necessary to screen and provide preliminary diagnosis of specimens. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required for positions with this title and should not be construed as declaring the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. The duties described should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.