Histotechnician - Laboratory, Full time, Days

Histotechnologist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Be the primary technical resource for histology and participate in the performance of routine and specialized technical histology functions as needed to provide high quality microscopic slides of tissue for the detection of disease, to include immunohistochemistry procedures and procurement and processing of pathology specimen material.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Pathology Supervisor, in accordance with department policies and procedures established by CMC, the incumbent performs the following functions:

Essential Functions

1. Be a resource to histology personnel and participate in the performance of histology procedures including, but not limited to, processing tissue samples, microtomy, cryomicrotomy, and immunohistochemical techniques on surgical, autopsy and research materials.
2. Participate in the establishment of histology procedures and protocols including but not limited to: gross examination, histology processing, embedding, microtomy, special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), case consultation, block and slide storage, quality assurance and quality improvement.
3. Receive, process, embed, cut, stain and coverslip surgical and autopsy tissues for microscopic examination by the Pathologist.
4. Perform special staining as requested following procedures as outlined by the Histology Procedure Manual.
5. Embed tissue specimens in paraffin blocks, identifying normal tissue components and abnormal lesions, and exercising independent judgment in the orientation of specimens in paraffin blocks.
6. Cut tissue sections from paraffin blocks, recognizing variation in tissue specimen components that will affect cutting, and modifies technique for each type of tissue.
7. Perform specialized selective techniques required for diagnostic purposes, including bone decalcification, muscle and kidney biopsies and frozen tissue sectioning techniques.
8. Perform routine H & E staining of tissue slides, modifying techniques and stains to ensure proper staining.
9. Perform immunoperoxidase procedures on frozen sections and paraffin sections.
10. Provide technical assistance, instruction and consultation to staff members for the resolution of technical problems.
11. Train new histology personnel as required.
12. Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of microtomy equipment, rapid tissue processing equipment, embedding equipment, stainer/coverslipping equipment and Immunohistochemistry equipment.
13. Track IHC antibody usage and establish procedures for maintaining stock, concentrated antibody solutions and dilution procedures for working antibody uses.
14. Troubleshoot and resolve problems with histology and grossing room equipment.
15. Monitor quality control of tissue section cutting, staining, IHC and document the results.
16. Utilize SoftPath computer systems for receiving, accessioning, monitoring quality control and tracking specimens.
17. Maintain instruments, reagents and documentation for Quality Assurance.
18. Coordinate the preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.
19. Perform and/or monitor all high complexity testing involving immunohistochemical staining operations.
20. Perform molecular testing and analysis as needed.

Secondary Functions

1. Perform assigned duties in the absence of a Section Supervisor by monitoring the histology laboratory operation and personnel performing specimen preparation and immunohistochemical staining.
2. Perform gross examination of small tissue specimens as a "processing technician" under the direction of the Medical Director using established protocols.
3. Work with the Pathology Supervisor to plan and schedule work for the personnel working in the gross area, morgue and histology area ensuring proper distribution of assignments and adequate staffing, space and facilities for subsequent performance of duties.
4. Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment for the gross area, morgue and histology laboratory use; document and perform cleaning, maintenance and calibration on laboratory equipment as required.
5. Assist Pathologist or Pathologist Assistant in gross examination set up as required.
6. Receive, review and prepare technical reports reflecting volume of work, procedures utilized and test results; handle the preparation of reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends and appropriate corrective action.
7. Ensure that specimens prepared for histological review are not distributed to the pathologist, if a problem situation exists, until corrective action has been taken and the system is functioning properly.
8. Monitor and participate in receiving and processing specimens as required including, but not limited to, accessioning/registration, patient/specimen identification problems, gross specimen descriptions, proper specimen distribution and specimen send out for specialty testing.
9. Coordinate with the pathology supervisor, histology staff and pathologists for quality assurance of histology and immunohistochemistry procedures.
10. Evaluate collection instructions, receipt and work flow patterns and prepare quality assurance reports outlining appropriate recommendations and conclusions.
11. Maintain quality control programs; work with the pathology supervisor to update procedures and safety manuals as required.
12. Coordinate and participate in specialized laboratory procedures requiring advanced skill and theoretical knowledge; assist in the development of new procedures and techniques.
13. Attend regularly scheduled departmental meetings and continuing educational programs; maintain current knowledge in the field.
14. Attends required in-service programs on Infection Control Practices/Universal Precautions, Disaster Plan, Electrical & Fire Safety and Chemical Hygiene/Hazardous Communications. Comply with all hospital and departmental safety practices.
15. Follow all safety procedures and precautions as detailed in the Hospital Safety Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan and Infection Control Policy to maintain safe environment for self and others. Report any possible safety hazards to Pathology Supervisor.
16. Report to work consistently and promptly as scheduled. Provide proper advance notice of absence or tardiness. Work overtime as needed and required.
17. Perform similar or related duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Individuals must posses the knowledge, skills and abilities listed or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities and to posses the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices to safely perform the essential functions of the job:

1. Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control procedures and practices including standard precautions and hazardous chemical handling
2. Considerable knowledge of Pathology equipment, instrumentation and terminology used in the area of responsibility.
3. Must be able to operate a microtome, tissue processor, microscope, embedding system, automatic stainer, computer terminals and printers, various histologic equipment and fume hoods.
4. Must be able to identify normal tissue components, abnormal lesions and exercise independent judgment for proper orientation of specimens in paraffin blocks
5. Physical requirements include the ability to raise objects from a lower to high position or moving objects horizontally from position to position, pick, pinch, type or otherwise work primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling; apply pressure to an object with the fingers and palm; perceive attributes of objectives such as size, shape, temperature and texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips; sustain substantial movement of wrists, hands and/or fingers; extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction; bend the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine; move about on feet to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances.
6. Ability to demonstrate required dexterity, knowledge, and ability to complete assigned laboratory tasks and skills, attention to detail and compliance with all appropriate regulatory and safety requirements.
7. Ability to apply pressure to an object with fingers and palm, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently constantly to lift, carry, pinch, pull or otherwise move objects. Ability to substantially move wrists, hands and/or fingers. Ability to stand particularly for sustained periods of time.
8. Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken or written word.
9. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
10. Visual and exceptional interpretative acuity (inclusive of color, depth perception and field of vision) to distinguish/ find subtle variations for work which deals largely with visual inspection involving fluids and slides, sufficient for preparing and analyzing data and figures, computer terminal operation, and efficient operation of equipment.
11. Ability to perform repetitive or routine duties, working following detailed instructions from standard procedures. Requires the making of minor decisions.
12. Requires the ability to set priorities, define goals, set objectives, and solve problems.
13. Ability to endure periods of heavy workload and long hours under stressful conditions.
14. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and respond appropriately and in a professional manner to unexpected situations.
15. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive, cooperative working environment, working relationships with employees, supervisory staff, physicians, patients and the public.
16. Normally works in a well illuminated,