Lab Aide

Position Summary
The Histology Laboratory Aide supports daily operations of a dermatopathology histology laboratory by performing non-technical, pre-analytic, and support functions that ensure timely, accurate, and compliant specimen processing for dermatology biopsy specimens. This role is critical to maintaining workflow efficiency, quality standards, regulatory compliance (CLIA, CAP, OSHA), and turnaround times for dermatopathology services.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Specimen Receiving & Accessioning Support
• Receive and route dermatology biopsy specimens
• Verify specimen labeling and requisitions
• Assist with LIS accessioning under supervision
• Maintain chain of custody and specimen traceability

Grossing Room & Histology Workflow Support
• Prepare cassettes, labels, and embedding molds
• Load and unload tissue processors, stainers, and coverslippers
• Assist histotechnologists with block organization and slide sorting
• Transport cassettes, blocks, and slides between stations
• File blocks and slides per retention policies

Equipment Cleaning & Maintenance
• Clean grossing stations, microtomes, and water baths
• Perform routine maintenance logs
• Stock reagents, paraffin, and disposables
• Report equipment malfunctions

Laboratory Organization & Inventory
• Maintain orderly storage of supplies and specimens
• Track inventory levels
• Receive and log deliveries
• Rotate stock by expiration

Compliance, Safety & Quality Control
• Follow CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA
• Handle formalin and reagents per safety guidelines
• Participate in audits and inspections

Administrative & Clerical Support
• Prepare courier shipments
• Assemble pathology case packets
• Assist with digital pathology workflows

Qualifications
Required
• High school diploma or GED
• Basic computer skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to stand for extended periods

Preferred
• Prior histology or pathology lab experience
• Familiarity with dermatopathology workflows
• LIS experience

Work Environment
• Exposure to formalin and reagents
• PPE required
• Standing and repetitive motion

Performance Metrics
• Zero specimen handling errors
• SOP adherence
• On-time workflow support