Pathology Grossing Tech

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

8/1/2023

Entity:

Wisconsin

Job Code:

510044

Job Title:

Pathology Grossing Tech

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Clinical Laboratories, Manager Lab Services the Pathology Grossing Technician is responsible for the accuracy of pathology services requiring specialized techniques at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. The Pathology Grossing Technician works independently using the medical knowledge to perform human specimen examination for diagnosis and patient treatment. The laboratory receives and processes specimens from the operating rooms and clinics throughout the hospital and health care organization. Specimens are also received from external clients and research groups.

This Pathology Grossing Technician functions in support of and as an adjunct to the physicians in Pathology. Routine, uncomplicated surgical dissection procedures are performed on tissue samples. These specimens include core biopsies, small biopsies, bone marrows, curettings, gallbladder, appendix, fallopian tubes, placenta, etc. The Pathology Grossing Technician maintains supplies, equipment and instruments and provides administrative support in the day to day operation of the laboratory. The incumbent must maintain competency and keep abreast of changing techniques and requirements in Anatomic Pathology dissection.

Work is performed under general supervision referring matters to the supervisor only for clarification of policy. Independent decision making occurs frequently in day to day operation. Innovative procedures are occasionally necessary to accommodate the variety of samples prepared.

The incumbent interacts internally with staff pathologists and other technologists on a daily basis. External contacts occur frequently with staff physicians and referring facilities.

Organizational skill is required to plan and coordinate workflow in order to meet patient care requirements and provide for satisfactory turnaround time of tests. Working knowledge of computers is required to accession specimens, report results and collect quality assurance data using the Anatomic Pathology information system is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Preparation and performance of surgical specimen dissection

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Assure appropriate specimen identification and accessioning

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Obtain the clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc., as indicated after consulting with thepathologist(s).

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In association with the pathologist(s), describe gross anatomic features: describe the overall specimen dimensions, structures, size, and appearance. Dissect surgical specimens and prepare tissues for processing according to established procedures.

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Escalates non-routine complicated specimens to the Pathologists’ Assistant.

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Exercises judgment by preserving samples for testing.

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In collaboration with the pathologist(s), obtain biological specimens for specialized analysis (flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc.) and upon direction of the pathologist(s) perform special procedures.

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In collaboration with the pathologist(s), prepare gross tissue sections for frozen section and electron and immunofluorescent microscopy.

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Photograph of pertinent specimens.

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Assure proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.

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Maintains quality control/assurance activities and records.

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Receive specimens and carefully check paperwork for accuracy and completeness, including appropriate documentation of medical necessity. Contact ordering source if any information is incomplete.

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Monitor specimen identification using the laboratory’s specimen identification policies. Resolve problems and complete documentation as required.

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Process test requests with accompanying specimens and enter orders as required. Use established policies and procedures for specimen acceptability and troubleshoot or clarify questions regarding specimen integrity.

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Process specimen by placing on instrument, giving to technologist, or placing in appropriate storage area.

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Prepare and return blood components and tissues following patient and product identification procedures.

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Troubleshoot laboratory’s defined equipment and document system error codes.

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Respond to telephone requests regarding add on tests, patient results, availability of products, and department procedures. Refer calls to technologists when appropriate.

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Practice universal safety precautions according to hospital policy and procedures at all times (e.g. use of gloves, lab coat, and other Personal Protective Equipment).

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Non-Clinical

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree

in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology

Required

or

Bachelor's Degree

must include minimally 60 semester hours or equivalent, that includes either:

• 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses OR
• 24 semester hours – 6 chemistry, 6 biology and 12 chemistry, biology, medical laboratory technology in any combination

Required

2 years

laboratory experience

Required

1 year

experience performing gross dissection and dictation of surgical biopsy specimens

Preferred

Histotechnician / Histotechnologist (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or equivalent

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

•

Organizational methods needed to effectively interact with staff Pathologists and Residents.

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Knowledge of current laboratory principles and procedures used in gross tissue examination.

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Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory theory, technique, and testing related to anatomic pathology.

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Knowledge of group process techniques and team leadership used in meetings and on project teams.

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Effective oral and written communication skills. Able to formulate processes and develop procedures.

•

Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and record-keeping procedures which constitute good laboratory practice, and which comply with regulations imposed by outside agencies such as The Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments

•

Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.

•

Effective team skills.

•

Effective interpersonal skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Ability to lift up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as dockets, ledgers and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one, which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10#

Negligible

Negligible

☒

Light: Ability to lift up to 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may only be negligible amount, a job is in this category when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

up to 20#

Up to 10# or requires significant walking or standing or requires pushing/pulling of arm/leg controls.

Negligible or constant push/pull of items of negligible weight

☐

Medium: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

20-50#

10-25#

Negligible-10#

☐

Heavy: Ability to lift up to 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

50-100#

25-50#

10-20#

☐

Very Heavy: Ability to lift over 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing over 50 pounds.

Over 100#

Over 50#

Over 20#

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.