Job Summary

Histology Technicians (HT) are responsible for the preparation of body tissue samples used to identify and diagnose abnormalities that indicate disease. They are responsible for the preservation and handling of tissue material through a variety of techniques. These may include rapid tissue processing and frozen techniques to freeze, cut, mount, and stain tissue during a surgical procedure. They may assist pathologists with gross description of specimens (tissue or organs) surgically removed for examination. An HT routinely processes tissue in preparation for cutting and staining. HTs embed, cut, and mount tissue sections on slides. They stain tissue using common histochemical techniques and/or immunohistochemical techniques as appropriate. They maintain identification and documentation of all specimens and slides or blocks prepared. An HT maintains equipment used in the department, performing and documenting all maintenance activities. They prepare, label, and store reagents and supplies in accordance with lab and regulatory guidelines. They may assist in training of students and other staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Vocational/Technical Degree in Accredited Histotechnology Program. (Required)
• Associate’s degree in Accredited Histotechnology Program. (Preferred)

Work Experience

• 1 or more years’ experience with processing tissue in preparation for cutting and staining.
• Experience with embedding, cutting, and mounting tissue sections on slides. (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications

Not Applicable

Essential Functions

• Embeds, cuts, and mounts, and stains tissue sections on slides.
• Embeds tissue in paraffin block.
• Cuts a thin section representative of the diseased tissue.
• Mounts the specimen on a glass slide.
• Operates stainer to provide optimal cell contrast for microscopic examination of tissue.
• Assists pathologists with gross description of specimens (tissue or organs) surgically removed for examination.
• Accurately describes specimen using correct terminology.
• Identifies diseased areas of tissue for further examination.
• Processes tissue in preparation for cutting and staining.
• Operates tissue processing device correctly in order to prepare specimen for embedding.
• Cleans any formalin spills using appropriate spill recovery techniques.
• Maintenance of all equipment, workspace, and inventory.
• Performs and documents all histology equipment maintenance.
• Helps maintain a proper supply inventory by ordering consumables.
• Keeps all work surfaces disinfected and work and storage areas clean, including morgue.
• Demonstrates technical skill in using equipment appropriate for role.
• Understands equipment operation.
• Maintains equipment in working order. Troubleshoots equipment problems.
• Uses technology to increase productivity. Adapts to new technology.
• Documents and submits required information and data in a timely fashion.
• Clearly and accurately documents designated processes, policies, products, service offerings, etc.
• Ensures that documentation is tailored to expected readers/users.
• Uses correct terminology.
• Conforms to required style and format.