Histotechnologist

General Summary

The Histotechnologist organizes and processes tissue in preparation to be run by either the Histology Supervisor or the Histotechnologist. Correctly and accurately embeds biopsies, cut biopsies, and stain biopsies to be examined. Maintains and stains immunohistochemistry’s for aid in supporting the Histology Supervisor.

• Exercises independent judgment in dealing with procedural and technical problems. Examines slides and/or blocks to ensure tissue preparation is meeting laboratory requirements.
• Trains or directs Laboratory Assistants and Histology engaged in laboratory testing and processing techniques.
• Prepares sections of human tissue for microscopic examination and patient diagnosis, using techniques to gross (dissect tissue), embed (orient specimen in paraffin block), section (cut thin sections of tissue), stain (enhance contrast of tissue and highlight specific features of interest with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains), and mount tissue (adhere tissue onto glass slides), from surgical procedures.
• Performs recuts and additional stains including special and immunohistochemistry stains, as requested by a Pathologist.
• Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study by Pathologist.
• May label requisitions, specimen containers, cassettes and/or slides and affixes coverslip to slides.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and tracks all routine maintenance and quality controls performed.
• Files, retrieves, and distributes blocks, slides, and pathology reports.
• Operates, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, and workstation.
• Disposes of hazardous chemical waste per regulatory guidelines.
• Complies with all State, Federal, professional regulations as well as company and departmental rules, polices, and procedural manuals. and competent in the areas of embedding, microtomy, grossing, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
• Adherence to CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLIA (Clinica Laboratory Improvement Amendments), State Regulations, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability), Safety and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Regulations.
• Appropriately perform complex testing procedures that involve the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, evaluate and stain immunohistochemistry’s.
• Possess the ability to perform skills in a timely fashion such as file blocks, print slides and cut controls
• Use reasonable judgment to recognize and correct performance by maintaining daily cleaning and changing of stains and reagent.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Employees shall adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and will comply with and assist in complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This will include and not be limited to following the Solaris Health Code of Conduct and all Solaris Health and Affiliated Practice policies and procedures; maintaining the confidentiality of patients' protected health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA);
  
  immediately reporting any suspected concerns and/or violations to a supervisor and/or the Compliance Department; and the timely completion the Annual Compliance Training.

• Licensure required by State
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certificate.

• Knowledge of CLIA regulations regarding proficiency testing, quality assurance and quality control.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures, equipment, and testing to monitor control checks.
• Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with laboratory staff. Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Skill in using computer programs and applications.
• Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests and operating a variety of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Customer-oriented with ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Delivers exceptional patient service throughout all…