Histotechnologist

Performs routine and complex histology procedures used in dermatopathology diagnosis. Assists in the pathology grossing area and participates in the general maintenance of the histopathology laboratory.

• Applies principles of educational methodology in teaching histotechnician trainees, new employees, medical technology students, and residents, as scheduled. Provides direction in the proper preparation of tissue studies and coordinates technician work schedules.
• Accessions surgical specimens, ensuring that the collection and testing specifications for the specimens match those indicated on the order.
• Performs gross pathology examination and dissection of defined types of surgical specimens for histology processing. Troubleshoots specimen description or ordering discrepancies observed during grossing. Transcribes gross descriptions into the pathology report using the dictation system.
• Performs computer operations involving specimen accessioning, slide preparation, and quality control.
• Evaluates and resolves histology specimen problems and follows procedures for specimen rejection when necessary.
• Participates in the development of new histology procedures and the improvement of existing histology techniques. Evaluates new techniques, instruments, and procedures as required.
• Evaluates normal and abnormal tissue types. Embeds and orients tissue specimens for microscopic evaluation. Identifies and resolves problems in the automated tissue processing cycle.
• Prepares reagents. Cuts paraffin sections for routine and difficult cases and resolves related technical issues. Assists histotechnicians with difficult sectioning cases.
• Performs and evaluates the quality of routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and special stains on surgical slides. Troubleshoots staining procedures and implements corrective actions as necessary.
• Performs and documents daily quality control procedures and initiates corrective actions when quality control results exceed established tolerance limits.
• Performs preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment and instruments. Maintains appropriate records.

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science, or ASCP certification as a Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL), required.

• One to two years of previous job experience required.

• Histotechnologist (HTL), ASCP certification, required; or
• Histotechnician (HT), ASCP certification, required.