Histotechnologist II

Histotechnologist II

Under the general direction of the Histology laboratory manager performs a wide variety of laboratory tests and procedures of moderate complexity (histology and immunohistochemistry), as defined by CLIA `88, in a diagnostic laboratory). Makes detailed observations, analyzes data, and records results. Duties include performing microtomy on various types of surgical specimens, and tissue preparation of frozen sections. Performs standard hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections, and special histochemical stains, as well chromogenic and fluorescent dyes, and in situ hybridization. Maintains laboratory equipment and inventory levels for laboratory supplier.

Department: Pathology Lab

Schedule: 40 hours

Essential Responsibilities / Duties:

• Perform routine and special paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• Prepare equipment for processing, embedding, cutting, complex staining, and mounting tissue
• Perform muscle biopsies, nerve biopsies, histochemical and other histopathological laboratory tests and examinations to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
• Prepare equipment for processing, embedding, cutting, IHC and special staining, and mounting tissue
• Provide technical guidance to laboratory personnel as required
• Performs histological preparation and procedures on tissue in order to aid cell pathology
• Maintains logs and prepares regular and special reports on procedures for specific tissue
• Trains other histology technicians on procedures and equipment
• Perform routine and special paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, including whole mount tissue histopathology preparation on prostate and eye specimens
• Operates and maintains automated tissue staining equipment and automated coverslipper
• Performs microtomy on small biopsies and minute specimens for extended panels.
• Understands and applies knowledge of histologic tissue preparation, opening cassettes and embedding tissues, paraffin block microtomy, frozen section microtomy, and preservation of frozen tissues.
• Prepares chemicals (mixes/dilutes/reconstitutes solutions, reagents, stains, etc.) in order to maintain adequate supplies of special histologic and histochemical stains. Prepares buffers and fixatives. Labels slides. Insures compliance with quality control standards as described in laboratory procedure manual for use in staining techniques pertaining to histology, and cytology.
• Ensures chemicals are disposed of according to hospital guideline
• May cross-train in other areas of pathology and/or other laboratory departments (electron microscopy, frozen section service, special pathology)
• Process fresh and fixed tissue specimens for surgical, anatomical, and investigative histology preparations under supervision
• Files specimen blocks and glass slides for additional review and send out testing.
• Assists in the preparation and performance of human surgical specimen dissection, including accessioning, gross description, fixation and processing.
• Receives and processes tissues or blood samples in order to prepare specimens for microscopic review.
• Uses computer system. Understands application of accessioning and histology section of CoPath soft-ware (running log sheets, verification, entering patient demographics, etc.)
• Calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment. Records test results. Prepares control slides
• Cleans/washes/stores laboratory supplies, equipment and work area in order to ensure proper chemical safety and infection control.
• Informs group leader or supervisor when consumable supplies require replenishing
• Performs preventative maintenance and QC documentation of laboratory activities and equipment
• Completes training and maintains competency in Media Lab and Workday.
• Records statistical data (e.g., number of cases, blocks, slides, stains) daily.
• Undertakes laboratory data management (specimen log-in, filing and tracking).
• Maintains specimen accession file in compliance with regulatory agency requirements and provides test results and related information to authorized personnel verbally or in writing, as required.
• Participates in the research and development of new procedures and stains as they relate to the improvement of diagnostic testing, under the direction of the supervisor and/or group leader.
• Attends departmental continuing education classes.
• Interacts with medical staff and co-workers effectively and professionally.
• Undertakes specimen delivery and mail delivery as necessary
• Performs clerical duties (e.g., answers telephone, files, records, in computer data base, information on cytology and/or flow cytometry specimens, test results, etc.).
• Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the department and the hospital's mission and goals.
• Must adhere to all of BMC's RESPECT behavioral standards including Diversity and Inclusion policies.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Job Requirements

Education:

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor's degree or Associates degree in a clinical laboratory science or biological or health science preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:

• Histotechnician HT(ASCP) or Histotechnologist HTL (ASCP) certification or eligibility is preferred but not required

Experience:

• Five years' experience in a pathology laboratory that includes specimen processing is required, with three years' experience in embedding tissue and microtomy including small biopsy.
• Histochemical staining procedure experience is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology and medical terminology
• Basic computer proficiency inclusive of ability to access, enter, and interpret computerized data/information required. Experience with CoPath soft-ware a plus.
• Demonstrate accuracy in preparing, staining and mounting tissue sections.

Compensation Range:

$29.95- $39.52

This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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