---
name: anatomical-pathology-technician
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'anatomical pathology technician' (also: anatomical pathology technical assistant, assistant in anatomical pathology, assistant pathology technician, pathology laboratory services technician, pathology technician, anatomical pathology technologist). Use when the user asks for typical anatomical pathology technician work such as: Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.; Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.; Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices."
---

# Anatomical Pathology Technician

Anatomical pathology technicians assist specialised doctors in pathology in conducting post-mortem examinations, keeping records of the samples, specimens, organs and the respective findings and taking care of their appropriate disposal under supervision, following the orders of the doctor of medicine.

## Core workflow

1. Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
2. Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
3. Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
4. Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
5. Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
6. Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- accept own accountability
- adhere to organisational guidelines
- apply context specific clinical competences
- assist with reconstructing the body after autopsy
- carry out an autopsy
- communicate in healthcare
- comply with legislation related to health care
- comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
- conduct visits to the postmortem room
- cope with unusual stimuli in the mortuary facility
- follow clinical guidelines
- follow procedures to control substances hazardous to health
- health care occupation-specific ethics
- human anatomy
- human physiology

## Hot technologies

- Microsoft Outlook
- SAP software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word

---
*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/4a5b3686-eea4-4ba0-b446-33f7b6a95aed), O*NET 30.3 (29-2012.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*