Histotechnologist - Grossing

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform assigned laboratory procedures (e.g., specimen accessioning and processing, inventory, ordering, embedding, tissue cutting and staining, frozen section production, special stains for cellular structures, immunohistochemistry).
• Prepare tissue and produce microscopic slides using a wide variety of tissue techniques (e.g., fixation, embedding, sectioning and standard staining) to produce accurate reproducible results to meet the needs of patients as requested by the physicians.
• Operate basic and advanced laboratory equipment/instruments (e.g., cryostats, tissue processors, microtomes, knife sharpeners, slide stainers, embedding centers, distillation system, pH meters, special stain units, IHC instrumentation) consistent with manufacturers’ instruction manuals, and with laboratory SOP.
• Perform quality assurance, quality control, and required equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, calibration and quality control on instruments.
• Record all work, (e.g., blocks cut, special stains, slides, immunoperoxidase slides, frozen section slides, immunofluorescent slides, re-cut slides, autopsy and surgical slides, decals, conference, teaching and research).
• Maintain effective communication with laboratory sections, other hospital departments and public, as necessary to assure dissemination of information and the identification/resolution of problems.
• Participate in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs of the department.
• Participate as required, in the education of medical students, residents, PA students, School of Medicine students, MLS and Histotechnology students and technicians.
• Recognize errors, medical and technical problems and utilize expertise to perform minor and major troubleshooting and appropriate and timely problem resolution.
• Provide input for development of quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Participate in planning and implementing change and maintaining and improving productivity through attendance and participation in tech meetings, projects, and discussions with supervisor.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Visual acuity must not be impaired.
• Color differentiation is required.
• Manual dexterity for instrument operation including microscope.

Working Environment

• Noisy environment.
• Foul or unpleasant odors.
• Perform procedures and operate instrumentation while wearing protective apparel.
• May be exposed to virus, disease, and infection from patients and specimens.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse.
• Able to communicate verbally, written and electronically with healthcare personnel, families and patients.
• Able to use numerous types of laboratory equipment.
• Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.