Histotechnologist

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Histotechnologist 2 (H) acts as a laboratory professional who prepares tissues from surgical specimens for histology, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. The incumbent utilizes laboratory and hospital systems to access data and perform other appropriate system functions. Additionally, this employee performs tissue processing and sectioning.

• Prepares tissue specimens for microscopic examinations and handles the more complex jobs involving immunohistochemistry for clinical patient diagnosis.
• Maintains and reviews quality control in assigned laboratory facilities.
• Determines the acceptability of testing results and instrument function.
• Maintains all equipment and places orders for reagents and materials.
• Maintains records of samples including sample accessioning and paraffin block and slide files.
• Follows specimen handling and processing procedures.
• Participates in the formulation and revision of departmental policies and procedures.
• Provides guidance and leadership to employees within assigned section.
• Makes recommendations for improvement of laboratory functions.
• Handles clinical and patient concerns in a confidential manner employing integrity and discretion.
• Identifies and resolves problems with equipment and specimen integrity.
• Examines slides under microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

Education:

Associate’s degree in relevant field

Certification and Licensing:
Certification in Histotechnologist or Histotechnician

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail. Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines. Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary. Commitment to the University’s core values. Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

• A. Specimen Receiving:
  Independently verify specimen labeling accuracy. Assign surgical numbers and prepare cassettes according to protocol.
• B. Specimen Processing:
  Perform daily maintenance on tissue processors, including solution changes and log documentation. Monitor processing times and paraffin temperatures, reporting abnormalities.
• C. Embedding Procedure:
  Embed tissues with proper orientation and ensure quality of blocks. Maintain organized block tracking and documentation.
• D. Sectioning Procedure:
  Cut routine and some complex tissues at proper thickness. Inspect sections for artifacts and correct before submission. Maintain water baths and microtomes per standard operating procedures.
• E. Frozen Section Procedure:
  Independently perform frozen sections for common specimen types. Confirm patient identifiers and ensure correct orientation. Maintain cryostat and frozen section area cleanliness.
• F. Quality Verification:
  Ensure high-quality slides are submitted to pathologists. Identify and correct issues such as incomplete sections or artifacts.
• G. Special Stain Procedures:
  Operate automated special stainer and perform manual stains. Evaluate control slides and verify stain quality prior to release.
• H. Compliance and Training:
  Adhere strictly to laboratory procedures. May assist in training new staff or students in basic histology techniques.

• Education:
  
  Associate’s degree in relevant field
• Certification and Licensing:
  Florida State License as a Histotechnologist or Histotechnician
• Experience:
  
  2-5 years of relevant experience

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

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