Histotechnologist II- Immunohistochemistry Lab

Histotechnologist II- Immunohistochemistry Lab

Boston, MA Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Full-time Day

Processes patient surgical pathology specimens to paraffin, embeds tissue in paraffin, performs paraffin blocks using microtomes, stains prepared tissue, coverslips slides and assesses stains and sections microscopically for quality with a focus on immunohistochemistry testing. Prepares and performs various staining techniques on all immunohistochemistry testing in Histology: Including processing patient surgical pathology specimens to paraffin, embed tissue in paraffin, paraffin blocks using microtomes, stain prepared tissue, coverslip slides, and assess stains and sections microscopically for quality. Validates and optimizes new or replaced antibodies according to lab policy and assures quality control of all cases stained. May be required to be liaison in absence of Supervisor and lead the team. Will be expected to communicate directly with Supervisor on issues requiring any policy change or result delays or quality of result concerns.

Essential Responsibilities:

• All immunohistochemical staining is stained daily using approved automated stainers and in accordance with lab policy control material is stained at the same time the case is to assure quality staining.
• Validation and optimization of new antibodies and procedures are run according to approved lab policy and CAP guidelines daily.
• Ensures recycling is collected daily as part of the Medical Center's QI initiatives and all employees must be part of the program.
• Maintain continuing education to meet their registration requirements and developments in histology and participate in mandatory and voluntary continuing education, competency testing, and Quality Assurance.
• Handles all antibodies and their necessary kits and controls and the equipment to perform these tests. Controls must be maintained and recorded along with other quality measures in accordance with department and CAP guidelines. Maintain and validate adequacy for controls for all antibodies used in the lab to produce staining according to CAP guidelines and hospital protocol.
• Prepare cases for pathologists' review, and maintain extensive files of blocks and slides to assure accuracy and assure quality control is in place according to policy and lab guidelines.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a NAACLS-accredited histology technician/technology program or a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with valid HT credentials and 3 years applicable experience or 5 years experience including special stains and Immunohistochemistry, AS/BS degree preferred.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access and other web-based applications. May produce complex documents, perform analysis and maintain databases.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registration ASCP Registered preferred.

Competencies: Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation. May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance. Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation using direct observation, knowledge, and skills based on general precedents. Independence of Action: Ability to follow precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by the supervisor/manager. Written Communications: Ability to summarize and communicate in English moderately complex information in varied written formats to internal and external customers. Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff, patients, families, and external customers. Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate a full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures, and policies with the ability to use them in varied situations. Team Work: Ability to lead collaborative teams for larger projects or groups both internal and external to the Medical Center and across functional areas. Results have implications for the management and operations of multiple areas of the organization. Customer Service: Ability to provide a high level of customer service to patients, visitors, staff, and external customers in a professional, service-oriented, respectful manner using skills in active listening and problem-solving. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Physical Nature of the Job: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally in carrying, lifting, pushing, and pulling objects. Sitting most of the time, with walking and standing required only occasionally Pay Range: $44.10 $59.35