HISTOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST - BUTLER

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 frozen section procedure and delivers slides to pathologist in a manner that allows for a 20 minute or less turnaround time.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

  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.