Histotechnician II

Working hours for this role is 8pm - 4:30am, Monday - Friday.

General Summary of Position

Responsible for the preparations and preservation of surgical tissue specimens and cytopathology specimens submitted to the Laboratory for gross examination fixing embedding sectioning and staining before submitted to the Pathologists for microscopic examination and diagnosis.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares individual work area sets up all equipment/utensils and cuts stains mounts specimens of human tissue including bone tissue following bone decalcification.
• Prepares paraffin sections of tissues; recognizes various technical problems related to tissue sectioning; takes appropriate corrective action. Evaluates and cuts specimens for histology processing
• Performs a wide variety of routine and special stains and techniques on surgical and autopsy pathology case material; recognizes factors that affect staining aspects assesses adequacy of staining sectioning by review and assessment of quality control slides. Takes corrective action to improve stain results where necessary and notifies supervisor of quality control problems. Performs validation studies. Cross trained in area(s) according to the department needs.
• Evaluates normal/abnormal tissue components; orients and embeds tissue specimens correctly for microscopic examination.
• Covers slides once stained and immediately distributes stained specimen to pathologist or other designated personnel.
• Completes pathologist requests for additional levels of tissue specimens. Recuts tissue specimens as needed to complete studies
• Assists in the preparation of frozen sections. Provides direction in the preparation of decalcified bone tissue.
• Decontaminates counter surfaces instruments and general work area according to laboratory protocol
• Prepares biopsy tracking logs specifically noting designated cases with various category codes.
• Performs send out testing to reference laboratories and shared testing to other MedStar hospitals. Monitors pending log and mails reports as needed.
• Performs CAP proficiency testing and assess results.
• Changes solutions for histology laboratory on a regular basis.
• Manages section QC/QA and addresses section maintenance needs as needed. Troubleshoots instrumentation and performs routine preventive maintenance on instruments as needed.
• Takes appropriate steps to resolve customer service problems according to established department protocol.
• Has an active role in training and staff competency.
• Serves as an inspector for internal CAP inspections or participates in inspection preparedness

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• Associate's degree or Higher-level degree or equivalent training such as completion of an accredited program in Histotechnology 60 semester credit hours including 12 hours of biology or chemistry is required.

Experience

• 3 or more years of experience, preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist ASCP Certification as a Histotechnician or eligibility is required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Verbal and written communication skills. Basic computer skills required. Considerable and current knowledge of principles methods and techniques of clinical laboratory science. Ability to apply technical knowledge with accuracy in the completion of complex tests. Problem solving capability with the ability to assess accuracy of results.