Histotechnologist

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Histotechnologist organizes and processes tissue in preparation to be run by either the Histology Supervisor or the Histotechnologist. Correctly and accurately embeds biopsies, cut biopsies, and stain biopsies to be examined. Maintains and stain immunohistochemistry’s for aid in supporting the Histology Supervisor. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION/COMPETENCIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Exercises independent judgment in dealing with procedural and technical problems. Examines slides and/or blocks to ensure tissue preparation is meeting laboratory requirements.
• Trains or directs Laboratory Assistants and Histology engaged in laboratory testing and processing techniques.
• Prepares sections of human tissue for microscopic examination and patient diagnosis, using techniques to gross (dissect tissue), embed (orient specimen in paraffin block), section (cut thin sections of tissue), stain (enhance contrast of tissue and highlight specific features of interest with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains), and mount tissue (adhere tissue onto glass slides), from surgical procedures.
• Performs recuts and additional stains including special and immunohistochemistry stains, as requested by a Pathologist.
• Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study by Pathologist.
• May label requisitions, specimen containers, cassettes and/or slides and affixes coverslip to slides.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and tracks all routine maintenance and quality controls performed.
• Files, retrieves, and distributes blocks, slides, and pathology reports.
• Operates, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, and workstation.
• Disposes of hazardous chemical waste per regulatory guidelines.
• Complies with all State, Federal, professional regulations as well as company and departmental rules, polices, and procedural manuals. and competent in the areas of embedding, microtomy, grossing, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
• Adherence to CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLIA (Clinica Laboratory Improvement Amendments), State Regulations, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability), Safety and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Regulations.
• Appropriately perform complex testing procedures that involve the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, evaluate and stain immunohistochemistry’s.
• Possess the ability to perform skills in a timely fashion such as file blocks, print slides and cut controls
• Use reasonable judgment to recognize and correct performance by maintaining daily cleaning and changing of stains and reagent.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Employees shall adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and will comply with and assist in complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This will include and not be limited to following the Solaris Health Code of Conduct and all Solaris Health and Affiliated Practice policies and procedures; maintaining the confidentiality of patients' protected health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); immediately reporting any suspected concerns and/or violations to a supervisor and/or the Compliance Department; and the timely completion the Annual Compliance Training.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURES OR REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Licensure required by State
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES

• Knowledge of CLIA regulations, quality assurance, quality control, and proficiency testing.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies, procedures, histology equipment, testing processes, and maintenance requirements.
• Knowledge of histology and medical terminology with the ability to communicate clearly and accurately.
• Skill in performing a full range of histology laboratory testing, including operating, adjusting, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including laboratory information systems and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage deadlines independently.
• Ability to analyze data, solve practical problems, and interpret written, oral, technical, and diagrammatic instructions.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations related to laboratory work, including percentages, ratios, measurements, and basic statistical concepts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with laboratory staff, physicians, vendors, and external partners.
• Demonstrates a customer and patient focused approach, maintaining empathy, professionalism, and composure in difficult situations.
• Commitment to health and safety policies, HIPAA compliance, and patient confidentiality.
• Participates in continuing education and professional development activities.
• Seeks to understand and respect differing perspectives to enhance team effectiveness and quality outcomes.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Associates Degree (A.A) or equivalent from a two-year college required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Preferred three (3) to six (6) months of related experience and/or training.

REQUIRED TRAVEL

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Carrying Weight Frequency

1-25 lbs. Frequent from 34% to 66%

26-50 lbs. Occasionally from 2% to 33%

Pushing/Pulling Frequency

1-25 lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

100 + lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

Lifting - Height, Weight Frequency

Floor to Chest, 1 -25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Chest, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%

Floor to Waist, 1-25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Waist, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%