Under general supervision, the Histotechnician prepares microscopic tissue slides for diagnostic purposes; performs tissue stains to assist in diagnosis; handles specimen accessioning; and maintains laboratory and equipment.
Knowledge of the basic pathologic conditions, skills in the use of precision equipment, and performance of special stains are required for accurately demonstrating the morphology of tissue specimens.
This is the advanced level for the Histotechnician job category responsible for assisting the department supervisor, training, and assigning and reviewing work of assigned staff in addition to performing the full range of technical procedures in the preparation of tissue specimens.
Each Laboratory employee is expected to perform all duties in a manner that promotes team concepts and reflects the Dermcare Management mission, philosophy, and core values of "Do the Right thing •Pursue Excellence in All We Do •Respect & Treat Everyone with Dignity •Deliver What You Promise •Get It Done Right •Mutually Invested in Each Other's Success respect, compassion, justice, excellence and stewardship".
Essential key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
•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 re-cuts and additional stains including special and immunohistochemistry stains, as requested by a Pathologist.
•Must demonstrate proficiency in all Core Responsibilities for histology lab
•Participates in implementing project improvements within the department
•Recommends and institutes corrective action promptly, if not immediately, following a qualified incident, potential problems, or corporate recommendation
•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 wastes per regulatory guidelines.
Monitor chemical and biohazard waste, keep all waste manifests
•Maintains strictest confidentiality
•Receiving and stocking of general lab supplies, restock supplies as needed
•Complies with all State, Federal, professional regulations as well as company and departmental rules, polices, and procedural manuals.
•Adherence to CLIA, State Regulations, HIPAA, Safety and OSHA Regulations.
•Must adhere to all department protocols and procedures
•Performs other duties as assigned.
•Assists the Lab Supervisor/ Manager in supervising technical personnel by monitoring workflow to meet testing schedules; distributing and reviewing work assignments; scheduling; training employees on company and laboratory policies, procedures, techniques and on equipment; resolving work related problems of staff; and providing input for performance appraisals and disciplinary actions.
Skills & Abilities:
•Ability to type a minimum of 30 wpm with minimal errors is preferred
•General knowledge of Medical Terminology, Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
•Must be flexible with hours to meet workflow demands
•Must be detailed oriented, able to handle multiple priorities and meet deadline
•The ability to perceive three-dimensional and geometric relationships when cutting paraffin blocks and making embedding molds.
•Finger dexterity required to manipulate the micro-thin tissue sections and to mount onto microscope slides
•Color discrimination required to verify diagnostic quality of staining processes in order that essential features of tissue sections can be properly defined
•Advanced understanding of general laboratory techniques with emphasis on department specific techniques
•Possesses appropriate computer skills to accomplish tasks
•Ability to work independently
•Must be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards
•Must be able to work in a biohazard environment and comply with safety policies and standards outlined in the Safety Manual
Qualifications & Experience Required:
•Associate's degree (AA) required
•Bachelor's Science (BS) preferred.
•HT/HTL (ASCP) Certification preferred.
•Must have experience with a minimum of one (1) year experience in histology
•Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time
•Ability to lift 25 pounds