Clinical Lab Technologist-Histopathology

Job Code

30001807

Basic Function

Performs a wide variety of laboratory chemical, microscopic and/or bacteriologic tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Scope

  • Working in Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Clinical Laboratory Services Section/Medical & Technical Support Services department in Dhahran, Al Hasa, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq and Udhailiyah (HA, RT, ABQ and UDH) under direction and supervision of Clinical Laboratory Technologist Specialist. 
  • Technologists deal with infectious samples, examining microorganisms for medical purposes while exercising the best safety measures to minimize the risk of any hazardous accidents.
  • Dhahran Medical Technologist may rotate through the various areas within the laboratory in order to be familiar with the different lab procedures/tests performed throughout the lab especially when working shifts. 
  • District Medical Technologist performs a variety of clinical tests in a combination of areas of specialization.

Principal Contacts

Has daily direct contact with triage/collection lab for specimen collection, and with physicians/nurses   or other healthcare workers such as infection control and epidemiology in order to collaborate results and attend to questions/concerns about specimens, communicable/reportable diseases and laboratory reports.  Report to Technical Supervisor.

Principal Duties

  • All techs should be familiar with Laboratory interface system (LIS), daily Quality Control (QC), Calibration and Preventive Maintenance (PM) activities along with basic troubleshooting of instruments.
  • Responsible for the operation and maintenance of instrumentation as assigned.
  • Performs monitoring, recording waste and inventory of supply items.
  • Performs and effectively evaluates & documents the quality control for each procedure performed.
  • Demonstrates general knowledge and understanding of QC by effectively using the appropriate   QC guidelines and follow up.
  • Responsible for performing and reporting internal and external proficiency following the same guidelines and care used with patient specimens.
  • Maintaining and operating standard laboratory equipment, for example Centrifuges and pipettes.   
  • Performs all functions that are required for the laboratory to maintain and meet the standards specified by accrediting agencies such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission International (JCI) , American Association for Blood Bank (AABB), Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions(CBAHI)
  • Maintains clean and sanitary work area in accordance with standard laboratory practice and procedures.

Principal Duties (cont'd)

Histopathology:

  • Performs the work of a cytotechnologists and histo-technician. Teaches and directs technicians who rotate through this laboratory for training and the technicians assigned to this laboratory.
  • Fixes tissue and slides in different types of solutions, dehydrates tissue in a series of solutions, embeds tissue in paraffin, cuts tissue at the correct thickness, mount on microscope slides and stains for examination by the pathologist. Checks stain results by microscope prior to being submitted for study by pathologist.
  • Receives a variety of specimens: vaginal smears, eye smears, and specimens such as spinal fluids, body cavity fluids, urine and sputum for processing and preparation of smears. Fixes smears in alcohol taking special care to mark slides with proper identification number. These smears are then stained. The staining process requires that the smears be dipped in a series of different solutions and stained for a specific time. The smears are then cover slipped and labeled.
  • Prepare over different types of solutions and reagents for a wide variety of tissue experimentation which maybe requested by the pathologist to aid him in making the correct diagnosis of patients disease.
  • Prepares special stains different type of stain for leprosy, fungi, iron, elastic tissue, muscles and fibrous tissue. Prepares bone marrow selection and decalcifies bones for sectioning, job requires knowledge of variety of procedures and equipment’s, and skill in handling materials form patients with tuberculosis, leprosy, fungus, viral, bacterial, parasitic diseases in order to properly preserve and  prepare them for study.
  • Uses technician equipment’s tissue procedures keeping solutions at the proper concentration, rotary microtome cutting tissue at 5 inches in thickness, and special frozen section microtome.
  • Uses dangerous substances such as, formalin, alcohol, acetone, ether, xylene, and molten paraffin.
  • Prepares a bi-weekly order for supplies and keeps supervisor-pathology laboratory informed of the need for special supplies and the amount on hand. Maintains a log book recording of all specimens and submits a report listing the number and types of examinations performed during the month. Keeps the apparatus, instruments and work area clean.
  • Prepares frozen section using a specialized freezing microtome which requires special skills and dexterities.
  • Files smears and paraffin blocks according to pathology numbers for future reference.
  • Maintains a variety of positive controls and uses of these controls when necessary demonstrate quality assurance.
  • Assist Pathologist in the gross examination for the tissue.
  • Will assist on routine in-suite FNA#s providing on-sight training and evaluation of FNA specimen’s adequacy for ENT, angiography, CT and endocrinology, and ultrasound. Will provide direct support/staffing of anatomic pathology FNA clinic. And work with molecular lab staff to organize Digene tests.
  • Performs other miscellaneous related duties as requested by the pathologist or supervisor.
  • Handling automated machines in immunohistochemistry and dealing with antibody.
  • Checks, receives and accessions any histologic specimen delivered to the histology lab using the co-path, Plus Functions:  Must have full knowledge and proficiency on the day to day CoPathPlus functionalities employed in the section such as Order Processing, Result Entry, Histology Entry, Label Printing, and train new hire on the Copath plus functionalities and SAP system
  • Covers regular duties in according to operational need.

 

Principal Duties (cont'd)

Other if applicable:

  • LIS Functions:  Must have full knowledge and proficiency on the day to day LIS functionalities employed in the section such as MEM, OEM, OER, PL, MIQ, IQ, REI, Transfusion and Donor Processing, etc.  Train the new-hires on the LIS functionalities used in the section as deem necessary.
  • Comply with the applicable JHAH Safety rules and policies, standard precautions and maintain safe work practices at all times.
  • Report injuries, spills, unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents immediately.
  • Maintain knowledge of Safety requirements including Emergency Response actions, Fire Training, mandatory Safety courses, BLS certification and participate in all required Safety drills

Education

Bachelor's degree in medical technology or science program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is required.

Experience

  • Minimum of 2 years’ technical experience in Clinical laboratory.
  • Experience in basic laboratory practices including safety.
  • Completion of 1 year internship

Certification/Other requirements as applicable

  • Saudi Commission for health specialties Licensure requirement must be met.
  • All medical technologists must be certified through the Board of Certification (BOC)
  • Good communication in oral and written English.
  • Good understanding of Clinical lab standards and policies.
  • Good computer skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of company policies and procedures, statistics and JHAH emergency disaster plans and response.
  • Acceptable level of analytical ability in order to complete tasks assigned, gather and interpret data from different courses, and resolve problems.
  • Must be qualified for the required Medical License.
  • Willing to work shift pattern as required (day, evening, night).
  • Willing to work overtime if required.
  •  Flexible, and willing to work in any Clinical laboratory District –wide (HA, RT, ABQ and UDH)