How to Be Surgical Pathology Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Surgical Pathology Technician is an important one in the medical field. They are responsible for preparing tissue samples for examination, which is a crucial step in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Their work helps doctors to accurately identify the cause of a patient's illness or condition, which can then lead to the most effective treatment plan.

By ensuring that all tissue samples are correctly prepared and labeled, these technicians enable pathologists to identify patterns in diseases and make more accurate diagnoses. This, in turn, leads to improved outcomes for patients, who can receive the best care possible.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent. Most employers require applicants to possess a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, some employers may require applicants to possess a degree or certification in medical or surgical technology.
2. Complete Postsecondary Education. A degree or certificate program in surgical pathology technology is available and can be completed in two to four years. Coursework typically includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, biological sciences, and surgical pathology technology.
3. Obtain Certification. Voluntary certification is available through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for surgical pathology technicians. Candidates must have completed an accredited educational program in surgical pathology and pass an exam to become certified.
4. Participate in Continuing Education Activities. Surgical pathology technicians must participate in continuing education activities to maintain their certification. Examples of continuing education activities include workshops, courses, seminars, and online courses.
5. Obtain Employment. After completing the necessary educational requirements, applicants can look for positions in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

Being an ideal and capable Surgical Pathology Technician requires several skills, such as attention to detail, knowledge of anatomy and pathology, and the ability to interact effectively with medical professionals and patients. Attention to detail is essential in order to accurately observe and document specimens, while knowledge of anatomy and pathology enables the technician to correctly interpret the results of tests. Interacting effectively with medical professionals and patients involves being able to communicate information in a clear, concise manner and understanding the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality. Having these skills is essential for any Surgical Pathology Technician to be successful in their role.

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Job Description

1. Prepare and process patient tissue specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
2. Collect and analyze tissue specimens for laboratory testing.
3. Maintain accurate records of specimen collection and processing.
4. Utilize microscope to examine specimens and detect abnormalities.
5. Identify and classify tissue specimens according to established standards.
6. Maintain specimen integrity through proper handling and storage.
7. Document all procedures and results in accordance with laboratory policies.
8. Provide technical guidance and training to laboratory staff.
9. Perform quality control methods to ensure accuracy of laboratory results.
10. Participate in research projects related to surgical pathology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of surgical specimen handling, preparation and identification
2. Knowledge of grossing techniques, gross pathology and microscopic anatomy
3. Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
4. Knowledge of laboratory procedures, techniques and instrumentation
5. Knowledge of Quality Assurance policies and procedures
6. Ability to recognize and report abnormalities
7. Ability to accurately document results
8. Ability to maintain quality control records
9. Ability to use computers for data entry, retrieval and analysis
10. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
11. Ability to work effectively in a team environment
12. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
13. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
14. Knowledge of clinical pathology techniques and procedures

Surgical Pathology Technicians are vital to the success of a surgical pathology laboratory. Their role is to prepare and process tissue samples for analysis by a pathologist. The most important skill for a Surgical Pathology Technician is attention to detail.

With careful observation and precise handling of tissue samples, technicians can ensure that the results of the analysis are accurate and reliable. the ability to identify abnormalities and communicate clearly with the pathologist is critical in providing a complete and accurate diagnosis. Technicians must also possess strong organizational skills to keep track of tissue samples, as well as the ability to follow safety protocols to avoid cross-contamination and contamination of specimens.

Finally, it is essential that Surgical Pathology Technicians have a good understanding of medical terminology in order to accurately interpret results and report findings.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in the Surgical Pathology field?
• How would you handle a challenging specimen?
• What type of equipment and tools are you comfortable using?
• How do you ensure accuracy when processing specimens?
• What safety protocols do you follow when working with hazardous materials?
• Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague in the Surgical Pathology field.
• What is your experience in handling and disposing of infectious material?
• How do you stay up-to-date on the latest technological advancements in Surgical Pathology?
• What is the most challenging specimen you have ever processed?
• How would you handle a pressure situation, such as meeting a tight deadline?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Microtomes. Precision cutting tools used to prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination (eg: Leica Microtome).
2. Staining Equipment. Instruments used to stain tissue samples to highlight certain structures (eg: H&E Stainer).
3. Microscopes. Magnifying instruments used to view tissue samples at high magnifications (eg: Olympus Microscope).
4. Embedding Centers. Devices used to embed tissue samples into paraffin blocks for sectioning (eg: Tissue-Tek Embedding Center).
5. Slide Staining Machines. Automatic slide staining equipment used to stain slides quickly and uniformly (eg: Thermo Scientific Autostainer XL).
6. Automated Slide Scanning Systems. Computerized imaging systems used to capture high-resolution digital images of tissue slides (eg: Aperio AT2 Automated Slide Scanner).
7. Computer Imaging Software. Programs used to analyze, store, and share digital images of tissue slides (eg: Aperio ImageScope).
8. Autopsy Tables. Tables designed to facilitate the examination of cadavers during autopsy (eg: Promotal Postmortem Table).
9. Dissection Kits. Tools used for dissecting and examining specimens (eg: Mayo Dissection Kit).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
3. National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
4. Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
5. American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)
6. American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB)
7. International Society of Surgical Pathology (ISSP)
8. American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA)
9. College of American Pathologists (CAP)
10. American Society for Laboratory Pathology (ASLP)

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Common Important Terms

1. Cytopathology. The study and diagnosis of cellular changes associated with disease.
2. Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues.
3. Gross Pathology. The examination of organs and tissues removed during surgery or autopsy.
4. Immunohistochemistry. A technique used to identify proteins within a tissue sample.
5. Cytology. The study of cells and their structure, function, and diseases.
6. Microscopy. The use of a microscope to examine tissues for diagnostic purposes.
7. Tissue Processing. The preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination.
8. Staining Techniques. A method used to enhance the visibility of microscopic features on a tissue sample.
9. Autopsy. An examination of a body after death to determine the cause and manner of death.
10. Histopathology. The study of the microscopic changes associated with disease in the body’s tissues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Surgical Pathology Technician?

A Surgical Pathology Technician is a health care professional who prepares and examines tissue samples obtained during surgery to check for any signs of disease or abnormal cells.

What qualifications are required to become a Surgical Pathology Technician?

To become a Surgical Pathology Technician, individuals must typically have a minimum of an Associate's Degree in a medical-related field, such as histotechnology, medical laboratory technology, or biology. Certification is also often required.

What duties does a Surgical Pathology Technician perform?

Duties of a Surgical Pathology Technician include preparing and examining tissue samples obtained during surgery, using microscopes to check for any signs of disease or abnormal cells, recording results, and communicating findings to other medical staff.

How long does it take to become a Surgical Pathology Technician?

It typically takes two to four years of education and training to become a Surgical Pathology Technician.

What is the average salary of a Surgical Pathology Technician?

The average salary for a Surgical Pathology Technician is $50,106 per year.

What are jobs related with Surgical Pathology Technician?

• Senior Medical Technologist
• Molecular Diagnostic Scientist
• Clinical Cytogeneticist
• Clinical Pathologist
• Anatomic Pathology Technician
• Molecular Diagnostic Technician
• Pediatric Pathologist
• Immunohistochemistry Technologist
• Forensic Autopsy Pathologist
• Cytopathologist

Web Resources

• Surgical Pathology - Texas Tech University Health Sciences … www.ttuhsc.edu
• Surgical Pathology Services - University of Pennsylvania pathology.med.upenn.edu
• General Surgical Pathology: Department of Pathology www.pathology.northwestern.edu