HISTOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

About the role

Processes and prepares pathology specimens to produce quality diagnostic slides for examination by a pathologist. Competent in the performance of routine and special stains.

Responsibilities

• Accessions and systematically organizes specimens to safeguard specimen identification and integrity.
• Prepares for and assists in the grossing of specimens (with a pathologist based on location).
• Readies the grossing area in an organized manner to assist the pathologist and efficiently prioritize workflows.
• Supplies materials to the pathologist as needed - gloves, surgical instruments, inks, etc.
• Accurately documents specimens, blocks and slides.
• Orders blocks, levels, frozen sections, path determinations, photos, flow cytometry tracking, touch preps, special stains and special requests as needed.
• Cleans the grossing station and instruments when the grossing is finished, maintaining area in a safe and sanitary condition.
• Operates and maintains equipment in accordance with guidelines.
• Loads and starts processors at day's end, choosing the appropriate program for processing.
• Operates microtomes, cryostats, staining equipment, etc., as trained and according to guidelines.
• Performs routine, preventative and corrective maintenance, resolving problems as they occur.
• Documents maintenance as performed; assists in keeping accurate records of preventative and corrective maintenance performed by outside vendors.
• Embeds, cuts and performs routine stains on tissue sections.
• Demonstrates competency in performance of routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, molecular probes.
• Prepares slides for reading by pathologist.
• Coverslips slides using manual or automated methods, labels slides accurately, ensuring positive patient identification with clear notation of slide source and stain procedure.
• Facilitates the distribution of slides between pathologists to provide timely progression of workflow.
• Produces quality frozen section slides with accurate identification of patient and source.
• Performs and completes frozen sections.
• Documents receipt and delivery of the frozen section in the log book and in the EMR.
• Maintains skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions.
• Works with the pathology software and dictation system and software (by location where applicable) on a daily basis for accessioning and documentation of specimens, pulling work lists, ordering slides, labels, etc.
• Uses the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA variances, etc.
• Monitors reports to track specimens and/or results as needed.
• Functions in an organized and independent manner, complying with policy and procedures to cooperatively enhance department operations.
• Handles requests from the pathologists in a timely manner.
• Recognizes areas for improvement in department operations, contributes to and participates in quality management processes.
• Participates in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance.
• Maintains competency in assigned areas, and completes assessments in a timely and independent manner.
• Participates in continuing education programs, staff meetings, etc., as appropriate.
• Functions as cytopreparatory tech for preparation of gynecological and non-gynecological thin prep specimens.

Qualifications

Associate Degree of Science degree or higher level of education with three (3) + years’ experience in histology. Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment. Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience. Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency. Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment. Problem solving involving several variables in or from standardized situations. Apply technical principles. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. High level of visual acuity (with/without correction) necessary for very close inspection and attention to minute detail, very small objects and scant variations in color.

Preferred Qualifications

None preferred.

License, Certification & Clearances

HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification required. Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system. Must complete HAZMAT training within 90 days of hire/transfer.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.). Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Work Environment Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines. When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required. Essential – Absolute Necessity. Marginal – Minimal Necessity. Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift. Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift. Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift. Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift. Physical Condition Essential Marginal Constantly Frequently Occasionally Rarely Never Bending (Stooping) x x Sitting x x Walking x x Climbing Stairs x x x Climbing Ladders x x x Operates Vehicle (company) x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x Respirator Protective Equipment x x Eye Protection x x Head Protection (hard hat) x x Heating x x Extreme Heat x x Extreme Cold x x Heights x x Confined Spaces x x Extreme Noise (>85dB) x x Mechanical Hazards x x x x Use of Vibrating Tools x x Operates Heavy Equipment x x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x x x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x Respirator Protective Equipment x x Eye Protection x x Head Protection (hard hat) x x Heating x x Extreme Heat x x Extreme Cold x x Heights x x Confined Spaces x x Extreme Noise (>85dB) x x Mechanical Hazards x x x x Use of Vibrating Tools x x Operates Heavy Equipment x x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x x x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x Respirator Protective Equipment x x Eye Protection x x Head Protection (hard hat) x x Heating x x Extreme Heat x x Extreme Cold x x Heights x x Confined Spaces x x Extreme Noise (>85dB) x x Mechanical Hazards x x x x Use of Vibrating Tools x x Operates Heavy Equipment x x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x x x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x Respirator Protective Equipment x x Eye Protection x x Head Protection (hard hat) x x Heating x x Extreme Heat x x Extreme Cold x x Heights x x Confined Spaces x x Extreme Noise (>85dB) x x Mechanical Hazards x x x x Use of Vibrating Tools x x Operates Heavy Equipment x x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x x x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x Respirator Protective Equipment x x Eye Protection x x Head Protection (hard hat) x x Heating x x Extreme Heat x x Extreme Cold x x Heights x x Confined Spaces x x Extreme Noise (>85dB) x x Mechanical Hazards x x x x Use of Vibrating Tools x x Operates Heavy Equipment x x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x x x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x x Direct Patient Care x Respirator Protective Equipment x x Eye Protection x x Head Protection (hard hat) x x Heating x x Extreme Heat x x Extreme Cold x x Heights x x Confined Spaces x x Extreme Noise (>85dB) x x Mechanical Hazards x x x x Use of Vibrating Tools x x Operates Heavy Equipment x x Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices x x x x Rotates All Shifts x x 8 Hours Shifts x x 10-12 Hours Shifts x x On-Call x x Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk) x x Travel Between Sites x