Histotech

Job Title

Histotech

Employer: U.S. Dermatology Partners

Location: Plano, TX

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).

• Perform a variety of specialized histopathological procedures.
• High‑complexity testing:
  Receive fresh unfixed specimens, map, gross, section, ink, relax cuts, score tissue as needed.
• Non‑high‑complexity testing:
  Embed, cryotome, stain and coverslip.
• Immunohistochemistry staining (in facilities that offer this service).
• Specimen collection/triage:
  Receive surgical laboratory samples; verify orientation, patient information (name, accession number, stage, tumor location, diagnosis).
• Specimen preparation:
  Maintain identification, divide into sections, apply ink, perform relax cuts, score, place on embedding slides, verify accession and piece.
• Embedding:
  Orient specimen on glass slide, freeze, use reverse slide mount, ensure proper placement, invert onto holder disc.
• Microtomy (cryostat):
  Operate with correct settings, alignments, knife angles; verify block orientation; trim to proper level; produce representative sections; label and store cut blocks.
• Routine staining:
  Select stains and chemicals for H&E or TBlue; prepare and maintain solutions; determine acceptable inadequate staining; correct problem areas.
• Mounting:
  Hand cover‑slip slides using xylene‑compatible mounting medium.
• Permanent paraffin processing:
  Prepare routine excisions for slow Mohs; thaw and submit previous frozen specimens; prepare DAF specimens for permanent paraffin processing.
• Instrumentation:
  Maintain and service instruments; operate or use as intended; monitor and document performance; recognize malfunctions and repair needs.
• Reagent preparation:
  Prepare reagents per procedures; record QC data; select proper storage; recognize malfunction and replace.
• General safety:
  Follow safety practices; correct dangerous situations; investigate complaints; comply with OSHA regulations.
• Chemical hygiene/biohazard procedures:
  Handle chemicals and biohazard materials; waste and sharps disposal; understand OSHA regulations; use universal precautions.
• Quality improvement:
  Participate in quality improvement activities; assist evaluation of new procedures and equipment; conduct QC on equipment, reagents, products; maintain records.
• Prepare slides with permanent labels and file appropriately; maintain Mohs/Excision logbooks.
• Maintain Mohs & DAF laboratory log books (accession/date/patient/tumor location).
• Perform other duties that may be necessary in the best interest of the organization.
• Pathology lab duties:
  Perform specialized, delicate, and complex chemical, histopathological or immunologic procedures to identify specific components.
• High‑complexity testing:
  Grossing of specimens fixed in 10% formalin or in Michel’s Fixative for immunofluorescence.
• Non‑high‑complexity testing:
  All other lab procedures.
• Gross exam:
  Maintain identification; measure; select cassette; store residual tissues; record information for embedding and cutting.
• Nail processing and decalcification:
  Select specimens; use sodium hydroxide; determine decalcification degree.
• Specimen collection/triage:
  Receive, accept, recognize specimens; check identification and fixative; accession with patient information.
• Tissue processing:
  Implement procedures; prepare and maintain processor.
• Tissue embedding:
  Recognize adequacy; determine mold size; maintain identification; orient specimen.
• Immunohistochemical techniques:
  Identify controls for IHC/IF; determine antigen retrieval procedures.

Qualifications are implied by the responsibilities: candidates should have experience with high‑complexity and non‑high‑complexity histological procedures, instrumentation maintenance, staining, and safety compliance, and be able to perform quality control documentation.

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Other

Industries: Medical Practices

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