Pathology Assistant
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: ST95
Class Code: 7875
Established: 07/08/1987
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under supervision, to assist Pathologist with autopsies: to perform standardized technical and non-technical laboratory procedures involved in the study of disease; act as phlebotomist and to maintain laboratory materials and equipment.
Typical Tasks
Prepare body and equipment for autopsy, remove breast plate, organs and brain and close body; take photos; prepare specimen for microbiological cultures; cut frozen sections on cryostat; clean morgue, trays and instruments; file slides and parafin blocks; prepare and log surgical, histological and cytology specimens; prepare standard regents and chemical solutions; perform venipuncture; process laboratory specimens; assist Pathologist with preparation of bone marrow specimen, prepare and maintain quality control of culture media; clean and maintain laboratory, photographic equipment and glassware; sterilize contaminated materials; process laboratory materials and supplies; keep records and make reports.
Minimum Qualifications
Possession of a valid certificate as a phlebotomist. (Individuals who do not possess a certificate as a phlebotomist may be admitted into the examination and may be appointed but must secure a valid certificate within six months of appointment). and Either IOne year of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Senior Laboratory Assistant.
Or II
Experience: Two years of experience performing technical laboratory work. andEducation: Equivalent to the completion of two years of college, including at least twelve semester hours in college laboratory courses, such as chemistry, physics, biology, or bacteriology. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: General laboratory techniques and procedures: fundamentals of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology and photography; uses and care of laboratory equipment. Ability to: Read and write English; follow detailed written and oral instructions; keep detailed accurate records; clean and care for laboratory equipment; learn and apply laboratory techniques accurately and rapidly.
Special Personal Characteristics
Aptitude and liking for laboratory work; orderliness; tact; reliability; keenness of observation; normal color vision. Color vision adequate to successfully perform the job as measured by the Ishihara Pseudo-Chromatic Plate Test or for persons failing the Ishihara, the Farnsworth D-15 Arrangement Test.
