Laboratory - Histology Tech

Histotechnologist

Agency Employee Qualifications

1) Graduated from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences approved histology program AS or BS AND 2) Possess or is eligible to take exam for the HT or HLT certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology or equivalent nationally recognized histology technologist certification or categorical certification in histopathology. 3) A minimum of one (1) year experience within the last three (3) years

Histology Technologist/Technician Preferred Qualification

1) 2-3 years' experience in an acute care setting 2) Experience with immunohistochemistry staining 3) Experience working independently with complex specimens preferred

Primary Clinical Task/Duties

1) Accessions surgical pathology specimens 2) Stains patient tissues slides with Automated systems and prepares and stains manually for all Special stain techniques. Trouble shoots any improper staining. 3) Operates equipment such as microscopes, microtomes, tissue processor, cryostat, embedding center and Immunohistochemical and automated Special stainers. Calibrates, performs preventive maintenance and records required function checks. Reports needed repairs to Supervisor. Relays inventory needs to the Supervisor for purchase. 4) Perform specialized procedures to include specimen photographs, frozen sections, and tissue triaging for specialized testing. 5) Prepares slides of Immunohistochemistry specimens for examination using the proper laboratory procedures. Prepares cuts and stains fresh frozen tissue for immunofluorescent studies. Assist with validations of new antibodies. Responsible for knowing appropriate fixation techniques for any special studies that may be appropriate. 6) Using principles of histotechnology, processes surgical, cytology and autopsy tissue specimens which are often delicate and difficult to handle through the required, complex steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding, microtomy, staining and cover slipping. Recognizes improperly processed tissue and is able to take corrective action. Gives appropriate feedback to the Pathologist Assistants and is able to facilitate troubleshooting of issues. 7) Sections paraffin blocks of tissue and mounts paraffin sections on slides. Sections are cut at proper thickness (2-10 microns) per tissue type or as required for special staining procedures.

Tour of Duty/Pay

a) The Histotechnologist will be required to work Monday through Friday 0900-1730 depending on the needs of the department excluding federal Holidays. The contract individual is expected to devote the time necessary to deliver the highest quality services to the VA patients.

Training/Orientation

Training will be conducted under the supervision of the Supervisor of Anatomic Pathology or designee. Client Details Client Type Government - Federal Setting Hospital (Inpatient) Address 3900 Woodland Avenue City Philadelphia State PA Zip Code 19104 Unit Details Computer Charting System VISTA (CPRS)