Histopathology Technologist

Overview

The histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. Utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the field of Biology - Chemistry - and Anatomy & Physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource - troubleshooting a variety of tests - identify suboptimal issues - and uses independent judgement and resources to resolve concerns.

• Major duties include - but are not limited to:
  The histopathology technologist utilizes specialized techniques for the examination and handling of tissue - cell buttons - and fine needle biopsies
• Prepares technically adequate slides of tissue - and slides/Thin prep/cell block of cytology specimens
• As needed - will travel to operating room - radiology suite - clinician office - or to other similar area - to prepare specimens for processing - and assist clinician in obtaining specimens
• Communicates with various hospital clinics - wards - and operating room suites - as well as VA Medical Centers and CBOCs to provide guidance regarding the acceptability of specimens and appropriate submission conditions
• Perform both routine and complex histological procedures - adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory
• Perform difficult and complex tasks on surgical - autopsied - hematopoietic and cytological specimens
• Accessions and logs histological - cytologic specimens - utilizing both computer and manual back-up worksheets
• Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of the request and proper sample submission
• Properly identify all specimens
• Verify discrepancies with the provider
• Process all surgical pathology specimens through the complex steps of fixation - dehydration - clearing - infiltration - embedding - microtomy - staining and cover slipping
• Ascertain the need for and perform fixation techniques that are non-routine such as nail preps and bone decalcifications
• Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements
• Identifies problems in processing and staining procedures and makes necessary adjustments as needed for diagnostic purposes
• Performs and documents quality control - quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement - as applicable
• Ensures equipment is in optimal working condition and addresses workflow needs
• Performs daily functions of the histology laboratory including accessioning - processing - embedding - and cutting of surgical and accessioning - processing and applicable screening of cytology specimens as well as proper cleaning and decontamination of grossing stations and surgical instruments
• Cuts and stains frozen sections
• Uses cryostat to cut frozen sections as required for rapid diagnosis in the OR - as required for fat stains - immunofluorescent and other immunological techniques
• Must determine if the proper structures and present in the tissue by a rapid Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and looking for these with the microscope
• Complete decontamination records
• Note:
  
  The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series
• For more information - refer to Required Documents below
• Work Schedule:
  
  Full Time - Monday-Friday - 8:00am-4:30pm Telework:
  Not Available Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not Authorized

• Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• Basic Requirements:
• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Citizenship:
  Candidates must be a United States citizen
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a)
• Education:
  
  Individuals must meet one of the…