Histotechnologist

Position Overview

Under the direction of laboratory supervision, the Histotechnologist is responsible for the prompt, efficient, and accurate performance of histological procedures on tissue specimens received in anatomic pathology. This role supports the diagnostic process by ensuring absolute certainty of specimen identification, assisting pathologists with gross dissection and frozen sections, and delivering high-quality microscopic slides within established clinical turnaround times.

Schedule & Shift Details

• Shift: Day Shift (8-hour shifts)
• Schedule: Monday – Friday (5x8)
• Setting: Anatomic Pathology / Histology Laboratory

Key Responsibilities

Accessioning & Specimen Identification

• Receive, verify, and assign sequential accession numbers to all tissue specimens entering anatomic pathology.
• Maintain positive patient identification across every stage of processing, embedding, cutting, and staining.
• Accurately enter complete patient demographics, clinical history, specimen source, and attending/submitting surgeon or physician information into the laboratory system.

Gross Examination & Tissue Processing

• Assist the Pathologist during gross tissue examinations by preparing and labeling cassettes for each specimen.
• Load, program, monitor, and maintain automated tissue processors to ensure optimal specimen dehydration, clearing, and infiltration.
• Provide direct technical assistance as requested by the Pathologist during macroscopic evaluations.

Microtomy, Routine Staining & Slide Delivery

• Meticulously embed tissue specimens with proper anatomical orientation.
• Cut high-quality, uniform sections from paraffin-embedded blocks using microtomes.
• Perform routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, coverslip slides, and deliver finished preparations to the Pathologist for daily diagnostic review.

Frozen Sections & Special Stains

• Prepare, freeze, cut, and stain intraoperative frozen sections using a cryostat immediately upon receipt in the histology department.
• Perform complex special histochemical stains per Pathologist request, adhering to strict turnaround times for timely diagnostic reporting.

Consultations & Specimen Archiving

• Prepare, package, and document slides, blocks, and anatomical materials for referral to external reference laboratories or consultative pathology reviews.
• Systematically index, file, and store tissue slides and paraffin blocks to ensure rapid retrieval.
• Ensure specimens, blocks, and slides are retained in accordance with accreditation guidelines and regulatory retention timelines; assist with rotating stored specimens as needed.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Certification: Active certification as a Histotechnologist (HTL) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent recognized national credential (required).
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in microtomy, embedding, cryostat sectioning, routine H&E, and special histochemical staining procedures.
• Core Competencies: Uncompromising attention to specimen identification and labeling accuracy, excellent manual dexterity, and the ability to prioritize daily workloads to meet Pathologist diagnostic schedules.