Histotech

Job Summary

Supports the diagnostic evaluation of tissue by histological procedures. Performs histological duties within the guidelines established by histology and Moh’s laboratory (clinic or stand-alone laboratory).

• Performs a variety of specialized histopathological procedures.
• High Complexity Testing includes:
  Receiving fresh unfixed specimen at time of tissue removal, mapping, grossing, sectioning of specimen, ink application, relax cuts and scoring of tissue as needed.
• Non High Complexity Testing includes:
  Embedding, cryotomy, staining and cover slipping.
• Immunohistochemistry staining (in facilities that offer this service).

HIGH COMPLEXITY TESTING:

• Specimen Collection/Triage:
  Receive surgical laboratory samples from patient(s) for testing. Verify correct specimen orientation for mapping. Verify patient map information:
  Name, accession number, stage, tumor location and diagnosis.
• Specimen preparation:
  Maintain accurate specimen identification / orientation. Divide specimen into sections for processing as noted on map. Apply color coded ink to specimen as designated on map for margin orientation. Perform relax cuts and scores to tissue specimen(s) as needed. Place specimen on embedding slide(s) for processing. (verify accession # / piece / stage).

NON-HIGH COMPLEXITY TESTING:

• Embedding:
  Orient specimen correctly on a glass slide using the "reverse slide mount method" for embedding (routinely epidermis to the left). Freeze specimen to glass slide, ensuring that the epidermis / base of specimen are properly placed to ensure a complete representative section. Once frozen, invert specimen onto prepared object holder disc.
• Microtomy (Cutting):
  Operate a microtome within cryostat with correct settings, alignments and knife angles to insure optimum cutting / sectioning of specimen. Verify block orientation for proper facing of specimen. Adequately trim specimen(s) block to correct level of completeness to provide a true first margin of the specimen. (trimming excessively may generate false positive). Ability to determine and produce acceptable quality representative specimen sections.
  
  Accurately places a series of sections on a microscopic slide (labeled with accession # /piece / stage). Correctly labels and stores cut specimen blocks within the cryostat chamber to ensure accurate tissue identification.
• Routine Staining Procedures:
  Selects appropriate stains and chemicals to perform H&E or TBlue staining procedures. Prepares and maintains stains and other solutions required in staining. Demonstrate the ability to determine acceptable and unacceptable staining. Identifies and correct problem areas that result in inadequate staining.
• Mounting Procedure:
  Slides are hand cover slipped using a xylene compatible mounting medium.
• Specimens to be submitted for Permanent Paraffin processing:
  Prepare routine excisions to be processed as a "Slow Mohs" - non frozen tissue. Thaw and submit previously U.S. Dermatology Partners of Tyler frozen section (excision and biopsy) tissue for permanent paraffin processing. Prepare DAF (previously frozen) specimens to be sent for permanent paraffin processing.
• Instrumentation:
  Maintains/services instruments according to established protocols. Demonstrate the ability to operate or use instruments for intended purpose. Monitors and documents instrument performance and checks/recognizes malfunctions and identifies the need of repair.
• Reagent Preparation:
  Prepares reagents according to established procedures. Records quality control data for each reagent. Select proper storage and preservation for all reagents. Recognizes reagent malfunction and need to replace reagent.
• General Safety:
  Demonstrates correct safety practices as defined in established protocol. Recognizes and corrects dangerous situations related to job safety. Investigates and resolves complaints, or refers unusual problems to superior. Adhere to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions.
• Chemical Hygiene/Biohazard Procedures:
  Demonstrate proper handling of chemicals and biohazard materials. Adheres to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions, including waste and sharps…