Histology Technician

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Entity: Penn Medicine Doylestown Health


Department: Lab


Location: 595 West State Street, Doylestown Pa 18901


Hours: 6 :30am-10am Monday-Friday

Job Summary:


Prepare tissue and cells for microscope pathology. Perform Histologic and Cytologic procedures as stated in the Histology and Cytology Procedure Manuals.

Accountabilities :


• 1. Properly orients, embeds and sections tissues of 5 microns without artifact or contamination.


• a. Orients any processed tissue as stated in the procedure manual. Adheres to any specific instructions provided by the pathologist.


• b. Sections routine tissue blocks at 5 microns without sectioning artifact or contaminants.


• c. Able to perform microtomy on all tissues. Is knowledgeable of tissue placement and levels as stated in the Procedure Manual.


• d. Exhibits the ability to handle difficult tissue samples. Produces sections that will assist in the diagnosis of the tissue submitted.


• e. Knowledgeable about proper fixation, microtomy variation and temperature limits when handling any tissue.


• 2. Performs all histologic and cytologic routine, special, frozen, and immunohistochemical staining. Manually prepares all stock and working solutions needed to perform above stains (Stain list available in Histology).


• a. Performs all routine, special and immunohistochemical staining.


• b. Follows established routine H&E staining procedures and is able to troubleshoot stains as needed.


• c. Able to manually prepare stock and working solutions being used in the Histology Department.


• d. Follows specific reagent preparation instructions as stated in the Procedure Manual. Able to make calculations necessary to prepare the correct reagent.


• e. Follows specific safety precautions when handling and preparing solutions and is aware of all chemicals and their hazards as stated in the SDS Manuals specific to the department.


• 3. Accurately and legibly accessions specimens with the use of the computer. Assists pathologist with frozen sections. Follows slides through the H&E stainer and appropriately distributes slides to the pathologists.


• a. Evaluates each specimen that enters the Pathology Department. Associate must be knowledgeable regarding fixation and criteria necessary to completely and accurately diagnose tissue pathology.


• b. Follows established computer protocol as stated in the Histology procedure manual.


• c. Correctly bills for any pathology testing in Meditech and Cerebro systems


• d. Assists the pathologist with the handling and weighing of tissue specimens.


• e. Correctly and legibly labels specimen containers and appropriate tissue cassettes.


• f. Adheres to specific safety precautions when handling specimens and tissue fixatives.


• g. Able to perform the modified H&E stain and rapid diff-quik stain for frozen sections.


• h. Able to coverslip (manual and automatic) slides with minimal air bubbles.


• i. Utilizes Cerebro to assign completed cases to correct pathologist in a timely manner


• 4. Operates and maintains all histology equipment and disposes of pathological waste. Troubleshoots outliers to help keep the department running efficiently.


• a. Performs routine maintenance on all instruments as stated in the Procedure Maintenance Manuals.


• b. Able to operate and troubleshoot any instrument used in the preparation and handling of tissue samples.


• c. Knows where to locate and use any backup equipment and who to contact to repair an instrument that is down.


• d. Collects formalin and pathologic waste for disposal.


• e. Collects reagents for disposal in bulk waste.


• f. Wears proper PPE when handling chemical and pathologic waste.


• g. Ensures Histology and Cytology are stocked. Notifies appropriate individuals when inventory is low.


• h. Able to retrieve blocks/slides for review or send-outs.


• i. Files pathology and cytology slides in correct numerical order.


• 5. Promotes patient safety by compliance with Organizational/Departmental polices and procedures


• a. Maintains confidentiality of customers and associates at all times.


• b. Timely completion of yearly competencies, mandatory job requirements (RAHE, Fire/Safety CE, BLS, background clearance, fingerprinting, etc.) and continuing education.


• c. Keeps abreast of changes and exhibits a supportive professional attitude.


• d. Keeps abreast of and complies with contents in Laboratory Manual, DH Associate Manual, Infection Control Manual, Chemical/Safety Manual, Computer and each Departmental policy and procedure manuals.


• e. Communicate, consult and share pertinent information with coworkers and supervisors according to established channels and lines of authority.


• f. Associate is able to admit errors and accepts responsibility for actions.


• g. Associate assists in training/orientation of lab associates and students.


• h. Associate participates in proficiency testing.


• i. Associate has knowledge of Performance Improvement initiatives


• j. Associate complies with dress code of department.

• Performs duties in accordance with Penn Medicine and entity values, policies, and procedures


• Other duties as assigned to support the unit, department, entity, and health system organization

Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) required
• Bachelors Degree preferred

Licenses, Registrations, and Certifications:

• ASCP certification preferred
• HT certification preferred

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.