A Cytotechnologist utilizes knowledge and anatomical laboratory experience to receive accession and prepare cytological specimens for examination. The Cytotechnologist performs the analyses of cytopathology specimens in an accurate and timely manner. This position requires the exercise of independent judgment, timeliness, accuracy and responsibility with minimal supervision by the director or supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cytology Specimen Prep Duties and Technologist Responsibilities

• Prepares cytologic specimens for analysis
• Assures proper maintenance of equipment
• Verifies and assures accuracy of specimen and patient information.
• Enters information into computer reporting system according to standard laboratory procedures
• Performs all appropriate laboratory technical procedures including specimen prep, staining, destaining and restaining and screening with little or no supervision
• Screens specimens and dots slides as appropriate for pathologist
• Performs testing and reports results on laboratory specimens
• Performs all duties associated with FNA specimen collection, processing and screening
• Meets the diagnostic performance guideline established by the medical director
• Performs job duties in an honest, punctual and ethical manner
• Reviews and updates all cytology related procedures and procedure manuals on an annual basis and prepares for review by the Medical Director
• Performs quality control and maintains all appropriate documentation
• Achieves minimum daily workload productivity as established by the Medical Director
• Adheres to NYS screening guidelines for cytotechnologists and maintains proper documents pertaining to number of slides screened
• Maintains competency and assumes responsibility for continuing education relevant to responsibilities
• As a Cytotechnologist II, participates in the quality control program by re-screening negative pap smears to validate test results

Demonstrates technical skills necessary to perform specimen collection and triage

• Accepts and identifies specimens received in the laboratory
• Checks specimen container and requisition for proper identification and specimen transport condition
• Enters patient demographics and specimen information into the pathology information system.
• Selects paperwork required to ensure specimen identification, specimen processing and billing
• Verifies insurance information and retrieves missing information.

Demonstrates the ability to perform gross examinations of specimens

• Checks and maintains accurate specimen identification
• Determines correct fixatives for requested procedures
• Weighs and measures specimens
• Selects tissues and cassettes for processing and stores residual tissues using methods that insure preservation
• Records required information necessary for subsequent procedures such as embedding and cutting
• Dictates gross descriptions clearly, accurately and according to guidelines of the department
• Photographs specimens correctly
• Implements proper tissue processing procedures
• Follows decalcification procedures

Demonstrates the ability to process Heme/Path bone marrow specimens

• Demonstrates the ability to prepare reagents for bone marrow Wright Giemsa stain
• Performs Wright Giemsa stain on bone marrow smears
• Demonstrates the ability to coverslip and prepare bone marrow slides to be submitted to the pathologist

Other Lab Duties

• Assists the Histotechnologists with slide labeling as necessary
• Assists with cover slipping and staining procedures as necessary
• Maintains laboratory equipment, including monitoring and changing reagents as necessary
• Maintains any temperature or other laboratory related charts as requested
• Performs other qualified laboratory duties as requested by supervisor
• Assures adequate laboratory supply inventory
• Thoroughly, accurately and legibly documents test results
• Demonstrates and uses the applicable computer systems

Reviewed the policy for Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

• Understands the proper use of all personal protective equipment necessary to perform all assigned duties.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures regarding precautionary measures taken to minimize risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Equipment Maintenance Manual

• Reviewed standard operating procedures and maintenance manuals for equipment
• Operates and maintains equipment according to protocol

Communicates with hospital personnel, medical staff and patients and incorporates customer orientation principles into daily work

• Establishes relations, supports and provides laboratory assistance as needed
• Maintains daily contact with pathologists and other medical staff
• Promotes congenial laboratory work environment
• Has a clear understanding of who the primary customers are and what they require; focuses on their needs, expectations and satisfaction
• Relates to people in an open, friendly and caring manner
• Serves customers with respect, tolerance and consideration for cultural, ethnic and/or religious beliefs
• Uses customer feedback as a basis for taking actions which solve customer's problems quickly and effectively
• Advocates for patient's rights and responsibilities

Participates in professional development and accounts for personal achievement and progress toward outcomes

• Maintains current knowledge of new procedures, methods and equipment through personal study
• Attends educational conferences, inservices and meetings as able to ensure continuing education and professional growth
• Sets goals, implements plans to meet goals and holds self accountable for results
• Inspires others by example and influences them to do and be their best
• Demonstrates self direction and initiative in work practices

Complies with all institutional and departmental policies

• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times
• Completes all required inservices and assessments in a timely manner
• Portrays a professional caring attitude at all times and greets departmental visitors accordingly
• Answers telephones promptly and appropriately
• Submits appropriate paperwork for requesting leave time
• Calls department for unscheduled absences and lates and fills out appropriate paperwork upon return
• Participates as part of a team in helping to maintain high quality performance of departmental duties and assists others whenever possible
• Helps to maintain a clean, safe environment for the workplace
• Adheres to departmental policies regarding overtime, lunches and breaks
• Fosters a spirit of cooperation and communication when seeking to schedule vacations and leave time in order to accommodate the work flow and maintain adequate staffing levels
• Is responsible to complete all assigned work during the scheduled work period and does not do so at the expense of quality or accuracy
• Wears ID badge at all times
• Does not leave the work area without giving proper notification to coworkers
• Accepts and adapts to changes in responsibilities and work flow promptly and without resistance
• Respects coworkers, discourages gossip and fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation.

Demonstrates individual commitment to Teamwork

• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
• Shares information, resources, and ideas
• Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures, or processes
• Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals, and to find solutions to problems
• Participates in and actively supports group decisions
• Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome

Evaluates the Cost Effectiveness of daily work

• Identifies methods and approaches to simplify work processes, decrease waste and increase the quality of service provided
• Demonstrates effective time management to promote productivity and cost efficiency
• Uses material goods wisely, is conscious of the environment and is accountable for prudent use of resources

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE

• See Education

EDUCATION

• Must have a bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology OR
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an appropriate distribution of biology, chemistry and math courses and completed a program in Cytotechnology. OR
• Meets one of the grand parenting requirements for licensure as a Cytotechnologist -
  
  1)Cytotechnologist I - Meets the minimum NYSED requirements for a Cytotechnologist.
  
  2)Cytotechnologist II -Four years experience as a Cytotechnologist I and achieves all Cytotechnologist I core competencies

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Must meet New York State Education Department requirements as a Cytotechnologist and hold a NYSED license in Cytotechnology.