Histopathology Technician l

Summary

Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Performs duties independently requiring sound judgement and problem-solving skills, under the general supervision of supervisor, lead or charge technician. Assigned to maintaining and programming tissue processors, performing special stains techniques and preparing various staining solutions, decalcifying bone specimens and staining using a modified H & E stain technique, operating automated slide and cassette printers.

Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Performs duties independently requiring sound judgement and problem-solving skills, under the general supervision of supervisor, lead or charge technician. Assigned to maintaining and programming tissue processors, performing special stains techniques and preparing various staining solutions, decalcifying bone specimens and staining using a modified H & E stain technique, operating automated slide and cassette printers.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform all functions.

• Accurate embedding of routine specimens using proper orientation, follows standard operating procedures; documents quality assurance problems as indicated.
• Performs microtomy on routine and medical biopsy tissue specimens at appropriate microns using various microtome models.
• Performs routine H & E stain manually or automated following established protocol. Manual or automated cover slipping of slides, organizes slides and preparer slides for pathologist to review, ensuring correct correlation to case; reviews quality of stain throughout daily workflow, recommends corrective action.
• Loading and unloading of processors, adhering to schedule and processing time protocols; documents and reports problems.
• Staining of routine slides with hematoxylin and eosin (manually and automated).
• Performs slide/block match for qualify control recognizing discrepancies and takes corrective action.
• Performs microscopic quality control review of slides for routine and special stains
• Quality control documentation
• Follows safety procedures and protocols; recognizes and reports problems and/or discrepancies
• Utilizes appropriate computer data applications
• QA/QC, Preventive Maintenance and Safety
• Follows all hospital and laboratory safety procedures; attends required trainings.
• Appropriately notifies safety staff of required waste pickups.
• Performs slide block match for quality control.
• Performs all aspects of quality control and completes required documentation; recognizes discrepancies, initiates corrective action.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment following established procedures; adheres to competency requirements

• Independently sets up and maintains histology laboratory equipment; changes solutions and selects correct processing times on processors to ensure adequate processing of specimens.
• Files slides and paraffin blocks, must access low areas.
• Retrieves and files slides and paraffin blocks to support daily workflow as needed.

• Understands and correctly performs the inventory/receipt of supplies, reagents and equipment.
• Monitors supply and reagent inventory daily to prevent shortages and overages; notifies Supervisor/Lead Tech of ordering needs.
• Special stains, procedures and projects
• Independent in the preparation and performance of special stains.
• Independent in the decalcification. Microtomy and stain of bone tissue.
• Performs special projects as assigned, including Special Microtomy and Immunohistochemistry as assigned.

Requires a minimum of an Associates degree in Histotechnology

OR

Associates or Bachelors degree with at least 60 semester hours of academic credit to include a combination of 12 semester hours of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), with successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology training program or completion of a clinical histology rotation in a NAACLS accredited laboratory granting HR (ASCP) eligibility

OR

Equivalent military certificate (equivalent of a degree) with histopath or hospital specialty and training in biology, chemistry, and related for which qualifies to sit for certification exam.

Meeting criteria to sit for HT (ASCP) Certification is preferred. (Certification not required)

• A minimum of one year of related laboratory…