Laboratory Assistant, Histology Lab

About the Role

The Histology Laboratory Assistant provides specimen processing, gross room, histology, and administrative support to the Anatomic Pathology department. This role ensures efficient diagnostic services and exceptional patient care through accurate specimen handling, documentation, slide and block management, and support of pathology workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Receives, verifies, prioritizes, and accessions surgical pathology, biopsy, cytology, autopsy, and consultation specimens.
• Reviews specimen labeling and requisitions for completeness, resolves discrepancies, and maintains specimen identification throughout processing.
• Monitors surgical schedules and maintains required logs and documentation.
• Prepares grossing workstations, obtains specimen measurements and weights, and labels cassettes.
• Manages specimen storage and disposal, and transports specimens.
• Assists with gross room workflow and ensures timely specimen processing.
• Supports pathology processes including slide preparation, coverslipping, and reagent changes.
• Manages slide and block filing and retrieval.
• Performs basic equipment maintenance and maintains quality documentation.
• Coordinates pathology consultations and send-outs, including preparation, packaging, tracking, and documentation of specimens, slides, and blocks sent to reference laboratories or consulting pathologists.
• Maintains pathology records, scans and files reports, and ensures accurate tracking and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Answers phones, responds to inquiries, and communicates with physicians, healthcare facilities, and reference laboratories.
• Routes issues appropriately and assists with clerical and operational functions.
• Maintains laboratory inventory and supplies, orders and stocks materials, and organizes reagents.
• Washes glassware and performs section maintenance activities.
• Documents quality and maintenance records.
• Participates in competency assessments, continuing education, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate degree or college coursework in Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Laboratory Science, or related science field
• Strong attention to detail and specimen identification accuracy
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities
• Ability to work independently and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of confidentiality and HIPAA requirements
• Preferred Experience with laboratory information systems such as Epic Beaker, SoftPath, Sunquest, or Copia.

Qualifications

• 0-2 Years Preferred Experience in histology, anatomic pathology, clinical laboratory, medical office, or specimen accessioning environment.