Histology Aide

About the role

The Histology Aid collects, accessions, and assists in processing specimens of human tissue and is responsible for up-front specimen handling and facilitating the workflow in and out of the laboratory. The role performs a variety of clerical and preprocessing duties, interacts with others using a variety of communication tools, and uses various chemicals and equipment for processing, embedding, microtomy, special stains, and cytology prep, following laboratory standard operating procedures. The Histology Aid also performs the pre-analytical phase of specimen preparation and must handle bio-hazardous and infectious material while following proper safety precautions.

Responsibilities

Specimen Collection

• Assists Pathologist during examination and frozen sections
• Preparation of renal biopsies
• Performs cover slipping of slides
• Prepares reagents for tissue processing and routine slide staining
• Prepares and stains cytology specimens
• Prepares specimens for pick up
• Prepares specimens for reference laboratories
• Discards tissue and fluids as needed
• Prepares cases to be read by Pathologist
• Able to determine priorities when organizing daily assignments
• Receives specimens from other locations within the hospital
• Stabilizes specimens appropriately for transport to outside lab

Processing

• Able to log in specimens, matching paperwork and specimens with care to avoid errors
• Accessions/registers specimen information into Cerner
• Able to enter new tests into all required Ordering systems
• Able to look up and print out patient orders in PowerChart
• Able to look up container details (collector, collection date/time, log-in location, instrument routing)
• Able to modify specimen collection information
• Monitors a pending list and discusses at shift change
• Knows the difference and when to do either a quick registration, full registration, or client bill
• Able to look up and provide patient results
• Logs specimens into appropriate location
• Properly re-labels specimens with Cerner generated labels
• Keeps a well organized processing area
• Manages the pending
• Properly receives into the lab specimens coming from another Laboratory or within the hospital
• Organizes the specimens appropriately with the different priorities (RT, ST, TM, ASAP, AM)
• Prints cassettes and prepares specimens for Pathologist examination

Equipment Maintenance

• Operates/maintains tissue processor
• Uses proper safety equipment
• Changes solutions in tissue processors and stainer
• Cleans cytology/grossing stations
• Performs routine maintenance/cleaning of equipment
• Keeps record of maintenance log
• Operates centrifuges
• Operates computer
• Uses phone transferring system

Compliance/Safety

• Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool
• Attends all safety-related training programs
• Performs work in a safe manner
• Monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner
• Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility
• If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates
• Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame
• Familiar with SDS/Chemical handling
• Performs good infection control techniques
• Follows hospital and departmental policies
• Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations
• Properly handles biological hazardous specimens
• Properly handles hazardous chemicals

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED – Required
• Certification & Licensures: Employee will obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for the roles assigned by their departmental leader
• Experience: Medical terminology – Required; Previous Experience In a Histology Laboratory – Preferred
• Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.