Histotechnician

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision, prepares tissue and other biological samples for examination by pathologists and cytotechnologists. Performs quality assurance functions and maintain procedure manuals. Maintains laboratory equipment and records following established accreditation guidelines and quality control standards.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Gross Pathology: Prepares specimens for gross description and assists at the grossing bench. Prepares frozen sections. Maintains the integrity of the specimen.

2. Routine Histology: Embeds specimens accurately. Cuts slides that are fully representative of the block and stains them with routine H and E stain. Maintains the integrity of the specimen.


3. Labels and distributes slides accurately. Performs maintenance and Q.C. on all equipment in the area. Communicates and documents any problems.

4. Operates, calibrates, prepares and maintains equipment for all types of tissue processing and labeling, recording and verifying the quality of slides for microscopic evaluation.

5. Maintains Stain Set-Up: filters stains, changes stains, washes stain dishes and cleans stainer according to QC chart. Documents on QC chart when stains are filtered/changed. Notifies pathologist of any discrepancies with appearance of stainer. Operates stainer according to type of specimen being stained. Performs special stains in a timely manner. Labels and distributes slides accurately.


6. Prepares pap, Gyn and Non-Gyn specimens: Matches patient information to requisition and specimen received.

7. Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.


8. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.


9. Maintains safe and clean working environment and protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control, hazardous waste and other policies and protocols.

10. Performs other related duties as required and directed.

Required Qualifications:

• Associates degree including coursework in chemistry and biology or completion of an accredited histotechnician (HT) program.
• Histotechnician certification or certified within 18-months of hire or transfer.