Job Description

UNDER GENERAL SUPERVISION, PERFORMS CYTOLOGY LABORATORY FUNCTIONS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• microscopic screening and evaluation of cellular preparations for the detection of pre-malignant and malignant pathologic conditions.
• Performs technical functions requiring a high level of expertise
• Performs Quality Management Functions as assigned
• Performs administrative functions as required in the absence of the Cytology Supervisor

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Correlates clinical history with specimen by means of the LIS and written specimen requisition.
• Verifies patient identification information on requisition matches patient information on cytology slides.
• Performs primary screening of all gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens prepared by the SurePath, ThinPrep and conventional preparation methods.
• Accurately formulates/enters interpretive results for specimens into laboratory information system (LIS).
• Refers all non-gynecologic samples screened to Cytopathologist for final interpretation.
• Refers all abnormal gynecologic samples (Reactive/Repair, ASCUS, ASC-H, LGSIL, HGSIL, AGUS, CARCINOMA) to the Cytopathologist for final interpretation.
• Utilizes electronic signature to sign out gynecologic samples classified as “Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy (NILM)”.
• Refers “NILM” slides chosen for Quality Control by the CoPath system (10% of smears interpreted as NILM) as well as all “NILM” slides which fit the criteria for “High Risk” to the Cytology Supervisor/Secondary Screening Cytotechnologist/Cytopathologist for secondary review before sign out for the purpose of Quality Control.
• Acts as a Secondary Screening Cytotechnologist for the purpose of signing out Quality Control slides (10% reviews).
• Records daily work including at a minimum, number of slides screened, total screening time and total non-screening time on a monthly basis at all institutions at which they are employed.
• Adheres to workload limits established every 6 months on the basis of performance and experience by the Cytology Supervisor. Performance evaluations can be performed more often if needed.
• In the absence of the Cytology Lab Technician, will be required to assume the duties as described in the Lab Technician –Cytology Job Description.
• Attends and participates in slide preparation during Fine Needle Aspiration procedures in the absence of a resident.
• Attends meetings and conferences within/outside the department/hospital to maintain continuing education per department policy.
• Participates in training of new employees, students, and residents.
• Coordinates the dissemination and completion of survey information and specimens.
• Assists the supervisor in assuring that all functions required for the laboratory to meet the standards specified by accrediting agencies (JCAHO and CAP) are fulfilled.
• Performs Quality Management tasks as assigned by the Cytology Supervisor
• Coordinates Send Out Testing as they relate to Cytology specimens
• Performs the duties of a routine cytotechnologist in addition to performing complex specialized duties/testing.
• Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health care system.
• Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Light lifting (solution containers, occasionally microscope)
• Exposure to laboratory equipment noises.
• Must be able to withstand long periods in a sitting position.
• Must be able to withstand visual stress from microscopy.
• Subject to stress of working under time pressure to meet turn around time expectations.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• On or before 9/1/94 have either graduated from a CAHEA- accredited cytology school or passed
• Certification exam approved by HHS.
• In addition to the above basic requirements for Cytotechnologist, the Senior Cytotechnologist:
• Has shown at least 3 years of full-time (2,080 hours per year) experience as a cytotechnologist within the preceding 10 years.
• Preferably has greater than 5 years of full time experience
• Exposure to Cytology Quality Management Tasks
• On or before 9/1/93, have full time experience of at least two years or equivalent examining cytology slide preparations within the preceding five years (between 9/1/88 and 9/1/93) in the United States under the supervision of a physician qualified as a Technical Supervisor in cytology;
• All cytotechnologists must be certified or have passed the examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP Board of Registry) or be certified by the US Department of Health and Human Services. 
• Graduation from a school of cytotechnology accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation; OR
• Be certified in cytotechnology by a certifying agency approved by HHS;OR
• Before September 1, 1992 was qualified as a Cytotechnologist by being a high school graduate with six months cytology training in a lab directed by pathologist or ASC certified physician and two years of full time supervised experience. Candidates must additionally have at least 2 years full time experience or equivalent between 9/1/87 and 9/1/92.

EDUCATION: 

• Ability to work accurately and effectively under pressure.
• Maturity and professionalism to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to operate the technical equipment and analytical systems used to perform work accurately and proficiently, and to maintain patient/coworker safety and comfort.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact with co-workers and clinicians. Communicates using age-appropriate terminology and tone of voice.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

COVID-19 POLICY:

Please note that effective October 1, 2021, as a condition of employment at Tufts Medical Center, all employees and new hires must have received their complete dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have been granted an exemption.