Technologist, Histology

About the role

The Histotechnologist performs a variety of laboratory tests and procedures relevant to the particular lab. They prepare and test specimens for examination and report results. This role also involves preparing and embedding tissue blocks and sections for pathologist review.

Responsibilities

• Receives and prepares liquid preparations, slides, and tissue samples for cytology, surgical, and autopsy specimens.
• Utilizes manual and automated processes to prepare histologic and cytologic grade slides for pathologist review.
• Verifies and accounts for all tissue blocks and slides on the histology worklist before signing-out cases to pathologists.
• Maintains and decontaminates microtomes, including cryostat/frozen section microtomes, as needed.
• Maintains and changes reagents and solutions in manual and automated stainers and tissue processors as needed.
• Performs and documents quality control checks and performance verifications throughout all phases of histology, cytology, and autopsy workflow.
• Escalates all quality control issues to pathologist and/or pathology supervisor.
• Documents and records all maintenances and temperatures as needed in pathology lab (eg. waterbath, embedding center, room temperature and refrigerator temperature).
• Performs other laboratory maintenance as specified (and scheduled) by the Histology Supervisor.
• Documents, records, and maintains inventory of all pathology lab reagents and supplies.
• Performs histochemical and immunochemical “special stains”.
• Participates and maintains intradepartmental continuing education programs.
• Performs other duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Education: Associates Degree in Science and completion of an approved Histology accredited program; or Bachelor's Degree/equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 years of experience required and must possess certification or licensure.
• Knowledge: Knowledgeable in regards to the safe handling, processing, disposal of hazardous materials.
• Skills: Able to supervise others and work with limited supervision, write clear, concise reports, familiar with lab procedures, guidelines and regulations, able to learn new procedures and master as they are added, ability to perform parasitology work including specimen processing, staining procedures, and parasite identification, understand and practice the principles of safety associated with working in a microbiology laboratory, ability to fully utilize BHMC’s electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position.
• Licenses, Certifications: New York State Clinical Laboratory Technologist License or Certified Histology Technician or Clinical Lab Technician from New York State Education Department.