Accessioning & Grossing Technician

 Job Summary

The Accessioning & Grossing Technician is responsible for receiving, identifying, accessioning, gross examining, dissecting, documenting, and preparing pathology specimens according to established laboratory procedures. This position performs specimen accessioning, gross examination of qualified tissue specimens, histology support functions, quality assurance activities, and maintains specimen integrity while ensuring compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, and all applicable laboratory regulations.

Essential Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, audit, verify, and accession pathology specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Review requisitions, resolve discrepancies, and communicate with lab manager and client services regarding incomplete orders.
• Maintain specimen identification and documented chain of custody.
• Perform gross examination of tissue specimens under appropriate supervision in accordance with CLIA requirements.
• Accurately describe, measure, orient, ink, dissect, and submit tissue into labeled cassettes.
• Escalate unusual or complex specimens to the Pathologist.
• Prepare cassettes for tissue processing and assist with H&E, Special Stains, and Immunohistochemistry workflow.
• Perform quality control, quality assurance, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
• File, retrieve, and maintain pathology slides and tissue blocks.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory.
• Comply with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, federal, state, and company policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Histology Supervisor or Laboratory Director.

Education / Licensure / Certification

Must meet CLIA personnel requirements for individuals performing gross examination of high-complexity testing.

Qualified applicants must possess one of the following:

Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology from an accredited institution.

OR

• At least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution including 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology;

OR

• 24 semester hours of science courses including:
• 6 semester hours of Biology
• 6 semester hours of Chemistry
• 12 additional semester hours of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Medical Laboratory Technology.
• State licensure, if applicable.

Experience

• Minimum of one year of pathology, histology, accessioning, grossing, or medical laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems preferred.
• Dermatopathology experience preferred.

Equipment

• Computers, Laboratory Information System (LIS), scanners, grossing instruments, scalpels, forceps, tissue dyes, tissue processors, histology equipment, IHC instrumentation, and personal protective equipment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of pathology laboratory workflow and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA, quality assurance, and quality control.
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Normal visual acuity and color perception.
• May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, formalin, xylene, and other laboratory chemicals.
• HIPAA / PHI Security Level
• HIGH – This position requires access to detailed patient demographic, diagnostic, and medical information necessary to perform laboratory testing and pathology services.