Technologist, Histology

Histotechnologist

Under administrative direction, the Histotechnologist is responsible for complex laboratory procedures, training and developing lab technologist and other laboratory staff. Performs a variety of laboratory tests and procedures relevant to the particular lab. Prepares and tests specimen for examination and report results. Performs all Quality Control procedures. Reviews, evaluates and documents all corrective action.

Responsibilities

• Receives fresh and/or fixed liquid preparations, slides/smears, and tissue for cytology, surgical, and autopsy specimens.
• Performs grossing of biopsies and small specimens not requiring dissection.
• Utilizes manual and/or automated processes (tissue processors, stainers, coverslippers etc.) to prepare histologic and cytologic grade slides for pathologist review.
• Embeds, with proper technique and orientation, a variety of tissue, not limited to, but including biopsies, surgicals, decals, and cellblocks to produce histologic and cytologic grade paraffin blocks for microtomy.
• Sections, with proper technique and accuracy, a variety of tissue, not limited to, but including biopsies, surgicals, decals, and cellblocks to produce histologic and cytologic grade slides for pathologist interpretation.
• Sections, with proper technique and accuracy, a variety of frozen section tissue utilizing a cryostat to produce histologic grade slides for pathologist interpretation.
• Verifies and accounts for all tissue blocks and slides on the histology worklist before signing-out cases to pathologists.
• Maintains and decontaminates microtomes, including cryostat/frozen section microtomes, as need and as specified in policy manuals.
• Maintains and changes reagents and solutions in manual and automated stainers and tissue processors as need and as specified in policy manuals.
• Performs and documents quality control checks and performance verifications throughout all phases of histology, cytology, and autopsy workflow.
• Escalates all quality control issues to pathologist and/or pathology supervisor.
• Documents and records all maintenances and temperatures as needed in pathology lab (eg. waterbath, embedding center, room temperature and refrigerator temperature).
• Performs other laboratory maintenance as specified (and scheduled) by the Histology Supervisor.
• Documents, records, and maintains inventory of all pathology lab reagents and supplies.
• Perform histochemical and immunochemical "special stains".
• Participates and maintains intradepartmental continuing education programs.
• Maintains all requirements for current and continued NYS licensure.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associates Degree in Science and completion of an approved Histology accredited program; or Bachelor's Degree/equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 years of experience required and must possess certification or licensure.
• Procedures performed must be performed according to laboratory specifications. Knowledgeable in regards to the safe handling, processing, disposal of hazardous materials.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Able to supervise others and work with limited supervision.
• Ability to write clear, concise reports.
• Familiar with lab procedures, guidelines and regulations.
• Knowledge to judge the adequacy of submitted specimens and requests additional specimens.
• Ability to learn new procedures and master as they are added.
• Ability to perform parasitology work including specimen processing, staining procedures, and parasite identification.
• Understand and practice the principles of safety associated with working in a microbiology laboratory.
• Ability to fully utilize BHMC's electronic record systems, equipment and other healthcare and billing systems relevant to this position.

Licenses, Certifications:

• New York State Clinical Laboratory Technologist License or Certified Histology Technician or Clinical Lab Technician from New York State Education Department.

Physical Requirements:

• Consistent with that necessary to work in a variety of patient care and office settings.
• Position requires prolonged periods of standing, reaching, walking throughout the working day.
• Position will be required to stoops, bends, lifts, carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.