Histology Lab Assistant

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Optum’s Pacific West region is redefining health care with a focus on health equity, affordability, quality, and convenience. From California to Oregon and Washington, we are focused on helping more than 2.5 million patients live healthier lives and helping the health system work better for everyone. At Optum Pacific West, we care. We care for our team members, our patients, and our communities. Join our culture of caring and make a positive and lasting impact on health care for millions.

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for accurately logging in/accessioning tissue samples for gross analysis.  Position may perform gross analysis under the supervision of a pathologist.  Routine microtomy and embedding.  Performing routine and special stains.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Specimen Handling: Receive, log, and accession tissue specimens accurately, ensuring proper labeling and documentation of patient information. Verify specimen integrity and resolve any discrepancies or issues with submitting departments or clinicians
• Tissue Processing: Prepare tissue specimens for histological processing by embedding them in paraffin wax blocks or other appropriate embedding media. Operate tissue processing equipment and instruments according to established protocols, ensuring optimal tissue preservation and sectioning quality
• Lab Information System Management: Utilize the laboratory information system (LIS) to accurately record and track specimen processing activities, including specimen accessioning, processing steps, and results reporting. Enter data into the LIS promptly and ensure that all information is entered correctly to facilitate accurate specimen tracking and retrieval. Collaborate with LIS administrators to troubleshoot system issues, implement updates, and optimize workflow efficiency within the LIS platform
• Reference Lab Coordination: Facilitate the coordination of specimens sent to reference laboratories for specialized testing or consultation. Prepare specimens for shipment according to transportation regulations and ensure proper documentation and labeling to meet reference lab requirements. Communicate effectively with reference lab personnel to track specimen status, obtain test results, and facilitate timely result reporting back to the primary laboratory
• Inventory Management: Manage inventory of reagents, consumables, and supplies necessary for tissue processing and staining. Monitor stock levels, place orders for replenishment as needed, and ensure proper storage and handling of inventory items
• Filing and Refiling: File slides and blocks accurately according to designated storage protocols. Ensure that all slides and blocks are labeled correctly with patient information and specimen identifiers. Provide refiles as necessary to maintain organization and accessibility of archived specimens
• Training and Guidance: Provide training and guidance to new laboratory staff or students, imparting knowledge on laboratory techniques, procedures, and equipment. Assist in the orientation and onboarding of new team members, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and safety protocols
  
  

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• BLS certification is required or obtained within the first 30 days of employment
• Solid computer skills and working knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Proven to be well-organized and able to comfortably work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in a clinical pathology laboratory including specimen processing

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $16.00 to $27.69 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.   

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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