Scientific and Technical duties
Actively participate in the preparation of Non-gynae cytology specimens. This technical work is complex, as there are a variety of different specimen types requiring different preparative procedures. It also requires skill and judgement, for example in determining to what extent individual specimens require dilution before preparation, or in assessing the quality of staining. The participant must closely observe safety precautions as all these specimens carry a potential risk of infection.
Participate in Gynae Cytology preparative work when the situation requires (e.g. when the MLA is absent).
The above non-gynae and gynae technical duties will be carried out when the post holder is on rotation to carry out technical work or when the service requires. Duties will include the following:-
o Be familiar with and carry out all tasks according to departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
o Be familiar with and observe health and safety precautions at all times when carrying out technical work.
o Operate equipment required for the preparation and staining of specimens. Be able to resolve simple problems.
o Disinfect the Class 1 safety cabinet when required.
o Regularly check the air flow in the safety cabinets.
o Carry out the disposal of non-gynae specimens when no longer needed.
o Renew or filter non-gynae stains when required. Ensure necessary reagents are available.
o Be able to carry out all duties normally performed by the MLA, including changing all stains and reagents on the staining machine. Perform these duties when the situation requires. Involves using potentially hazardous chemicals.
o Complete records of processes and quality checks carried out
o Inform a senior member of staff when the level of reagents or consumables is running low. Replenish these from the Pathology stores when available.
o Use own initiative to ensure tasks that need performing are completed, to assist the efficient running of the department.
I.T duties
The post holder will also require to be familiar with the departmental computer system, and to use it as part of the following duties:-
o Use the departmental computer system to look up patients’ previous results and other data as required.
o Enter own and reviewed results and screening opinion on to the system. Validate reviewed results. It is highly important this be carried out accurately.
o Observe departmental protocols concerning the confidentiality of patient information.
o Assist the Office Manager by carrying out the data transfer of smear results to PCTs, when the Office Manager is not available.
Service Development
Remain up to date by continual professional development of oneself. This includes attendance at the gynae cytology update course every 3 years, and any other compulsory training courses. Attendance at other scientific meetings will be encouraged.
As part of the post holder’s professional development, the opportunity will be available for the post holder to learn non-gynae cytology. Should an appropriate level of proficiency be achieved, the post holder will be permitted to participate in the screening of non-gynae slides at a level consistent with their ability and experience.
Clinical and Interpretive responsibilities
Gynaecological Cytology
Participate in the microscopic examination and screening of cervical smears. Acquiring the interpretive skills needed for screening cervical smears, requires lengthy and extensive training, both internal and external to the Trust, and success in a cervical screening examination, before one can practice. The nature of the work is highly interpretive as one must judge the microscopic appearance of smears and be aware of a huge variety of normal and abnormal features and interpret them in the light of the patient’s clinical history. It also requires a high degree of concentration and vigilance seated in a restricted position at a microscope for up to five hours per day.
> Report and sign for negative and inadequate cervical smear results, in accordance with national guidelines and departmental protocols. Offer opinion on suspicious and abnormal findings. This work has clinical importance as decisions arrived at impact on patients health.
> The post holder reports specimens based on their skill, judgement and experience, in the knowledge that errors could have serious consequences to patients. The post holder signs the report for each case they are reporting.
Examine sufficient slides per annum to maintain competence as a primary screener, as required by national guidelines. The NHSCSP lays down minimum standards for individual staff workloads which must be complied with.
Participate in the departmental Gynae quality control system, including ‘rapid review’ of colleagues screened cervical smears, and full checking of abnormal cases with provision of second opinion (passing reports to a more senior BMS for checking, if not already involved in the process). As well as primary screening, the post holder must rapidly re-examine slides reported by colleagues to detect any obvious errors. You must also have the ability to add a credible opinion of abnormal slides.
Non-Gynaecological Cytology
See reference to non-gynae cytology in section 5 (Service Development).
Quality Control and Quality Management
Participate in departmental Gynae cytology quality control and checking systems as detailed above.
Participate in the External Quality Assessment (EQA) scheme for cervical screening at the level of ‘Screener’.
Participate in technical quality assurance by performing necessary quality checks, such as checking the quality of staining.
Attend the regular Colposcopy/Cytology/Histology multi-disciplinary meetings.
To apply for this position, candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK
Matchtech Group Plc is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
