State of Washington Classified Job Specification
ANATOMIC PATHOLOGY TECHNICIAN
Definition
Prepare specimens and perform examination by microscope, instrumentation, computer, and current methodology; guide and instruct Anatomic Pathology Technician Trainees, laboratory assistants and others.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Under general supervision, prepare specimens for examination by microscope instrumentation, computer, and current methodology; acquire, examine and prepare specimens for analysis; provide procedural information and specimen protocol to medical or academic staff, personnel from referring institutions/agencies, and new employees.
Typical Work
Monitor and perform quality control of specimens; determine disposition of improperly handled specimens; identify problems, take corrective action, notify supervisor of action taken and monitor follow-up solutions;
Perform procedures in pathology services, such as histology, flow cytometry, renal biopsy, electron microscopy, autopsy, molecular pathology and immunocytochemistry;
Perform histology procedures pertaining to preparation of microscopic slides, such as processing, embedding, microtomy, hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining, special staining, and coverslipping slides;
Review requests to determine appropriate techniques or procedures for various types of specimens; assist physician at patient bedside with collection and preparation of biopsies and aspirates; advise pathologist/resident as to specimen adequacy for processing;
Process specimens; cut thick and thin sections; process photographic prints;
Assist in the autopsy for removal of organs; prepare body for transport; preserve and store specimens; provide disposal of fresh and fixed tissue; retrieve and prepare specimen for scheduled conferences and classes;
Perform immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescence procedures; determine correct concentration of new antibodies using checkerboard titration;
Process specimens and perform flow cytometric analysis;
Evaluate cell cycle data and histograms; obtain supporting literature according to tumor type;
Perform molecular pathology tests; provide results for interpretation by extracting DNA from specimen; amplify DNA target site; identify the presence of a virus or bacterium with specific probes;
Maintain safe working environment by following all safety regulations;
Instruct and orient pathology residents; provide procedural information and specimen protocol to medical staff, personnel from referring institutions, and new employees; identify appropriate protocol for specimen distribution;
Train new employees in pathology procedures, preparation of reagents, and in the proper use and theory of laboratory instrumentation;
Analyze and determine cause(s) of instrument malfunction, notify supervisor, and take corrective action; maintain quality control of instruments; evaluate new products and instruments to provide input in decision process;
Record complete patient information; maintain comprehensive records of procedures;
May assist in developing policies and procedures and developing budgets;
Perform related duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
Certified, or certified within two years from the date of hire, at the Technician level by a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Scientists or the Microscopy Society of America
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
New Class: 11-12-93
Revise Class/MQ: 7-9-99
Revised new class code: (formerly 6326) effective July 1, 2007
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.