Histotechnologist

About the Role

Prepares histologic slides from human tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by a Pathologist.

Responsibilities

• Exercises independent judgment in dealing with procedural and technical problems.
• Examines slides and/or blocks to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
• Trains or directs Laboratory Assistants and Histology Technicians in laboratory testing and processing techniques.
• Prepares sections of human tissue for microscopic examination and patient diagnosis using techniques to:
  • Gross (dissect tissue),
  • Embed (orient specimen in paraffin block),
  • Section (cut thin sections of tissue),
  • Stain (enhance contrast with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains), and
  • Mount tissue (adhere tissue onto glass slides) from surgical procedures.
• Performs recuts and additional stains, including special and immunohistochemistry stains, as requested by a Pathologist.
• Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate tissue specimens with wax for preservation and study.
• Labels requisitions, specimen containers, cassettes, and/or slides, and affixes coverslips to slides.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and tracks all routine maintenance and quality controls performed.
• Files, retrieves, and distributes blocks, slides, and pathology reports.
• Operates, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, and workstation.
• Disposes of hazardous chemical waste per regulatory guidelines.
• Maintains strictest confidentiality.
• Complies with all State, Federal, and professional regulations, as well as company and departmental rules, policies, and procedural manuals.
• Adheres to CLIA, State Regulations, HIPAA, Safety, and OSHA Regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree.
• One year of experience.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of CLIA regulations regarding proficiency testing, quality assurance, and quality control.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures, equipment, and testing to monitor control checks.
• Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with laboratory staff.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skill in using computer programs and applications.
• Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests and operating a variety of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Ability to listen, read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with employees, physicians, vendors, clients, and external agencies.

Equipment Used

• Computers, computer programs, and information systems
• Scanners, forceps, rulers, tissue dyes, scalpel or razor blades
• Microtomes, cryostats, water baths, slide racks
• Tissue processors, drying ovens, automatic stainers, cover slippers
• Personal protective equipment

Physical Requirements

The employee is occasionally required to:

• Stand, walk, sit
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear, taste or smell
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to focus. Requires visual acuity and normal color perception.

Schedule

Two shifts available:

• 1:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday)
• 3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)