HISTOTECHNICIAN

About the role

The Histotechnician is responsible for performing a variety of technical laboratory procedures for the preparation and processing surgical specimens and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination by the Pathologist. This includes tissue fixation, embedding, microtomy, staining including routine H&E stain, special stain and immunohistochemistry stain, and slide preparation ensuring accurate and timely diagnostic results in accordance with established protocols and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform surgical tissue fixation, processing, embedding, and sectioning.
• Cut tissue sections using a microtome and place them on the glass slides accordingly to the departmental policies.
• Perform routine H& E stain and special stain procedures following the departmental procedures.
• Perform immunohistochemistry stains following the departmental procedures.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring quality control and preventive maintenance.
• Label, file, store tissue blocks and slides accordingly to laboratory policies.
• Assist with quality assurance and participate in laboratory inspections and competency assessment.
• Follow safety, infection control, and laboratory compliance procedures in accordance with CAP, CLIA, and OSHA regulations.
• Communicate effectively with the Histology Supervisor, Pathologists, and other laboratory team members.
• Perform supply inventory.
• Perform chemical inventory.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the Histology Supervisor or Pathologist.

Requirements

• Demonstrates knowledge and maintains and respects patient right to privacy by following the HIPAA Privacy and Security policies and procedures.
• Adheres to ICARE values and standards of behavior (Innovation, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence).
• Role models behaviors that value the diversity of our associates, patients and customers and supports creating an environment that is inclusive, welcoming and respectful.
• Communicates with patients, families and customers using AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank).
• Works in a safe manner and promptly reports any hazards identified in the work environment or related to assigned responsibilities.

Qualifications

• ASCP Board of Certification Histotechnician-HT(ASCP) certification within one year of hire.
• At least 1 year of experience, within the last 5 years, in a clinical histology laboratory performing routine histological procedures; including tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and routine and special stain staining procedures.
• 2 or more years of histology experience in an accredited laboratory setting (preferred).
• Experience with immunohistochemistry staining procedure, and frozen section procedures (preferred).
• Familiarity with CAP, CLIA, OSHA regulatory standards for laboratory operations (preferred).
• Associate’s degree and completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program or equivalent.
• OR A High school diploma and current ASCP Board of Certification as a Histotechnician-HT.