Histotechnician-Full Time

About the role

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in the gross dissection room and performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts, stains and labels slides.

Responsibilities

• Properly orients tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins, are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.
• Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.
• Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.
• Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides and documents on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date for special stains.
• Completes Pathologist's, Supervisor's and management team's requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.
• Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required.
• Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Other related duties as required.

Requirements

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent

Education Preferred: Completion of an Associate Degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of Biology and Chemistry.

Work Experience Preferred: 1 year of experience in Histopathology laboratory OR an ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification.

Certifications Preferred: ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification — may be accepted in lieu of work experience.

Skills

• Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.
• Excellent judgmental skills in order to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.
• Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.
• Ability to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients.
• Experience working independently.
• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.

Physical and environmental demands

Medium Work – Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue. The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases or hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste.