Histotechnologist

JOB SUMMARY:

Under moderate direction of the pathologists, clinical laboratory director and supervision of the pathology facilitator, performs histological and cytological procedures for complex testing. Process and produce slides for diagnostic reading by the pathologists and cytotechnologists.  Exhibits the values of F.I.R.S.T. (Friendliness, Innovation, Respect, Service, and Trust).

                                                             

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Receives and accepts surgical and cytological material while protecting the integrity and disposition of the specimen submitted for diagnosis. Accession tissue specimens checking name, specimen type, and location, before entering into the L.I.S. system. 

• Surgical Tissue

1. Prepare tissue for gross sections
2. Embed tissue
3. Cut paraffin sections with microtome onto slides
4. Stain slides with H&E’s
5. Coverslip slides and label with appropriate assigned accession number label
6. Perform special stains procedures
7. Perform immunohistochemistry procedures

• Cytology(Conventional & Enhancement methods)

1. GYN (pap smears and thin preps)
2. Prepare slides with accession numbers and filters 
3. Process thin prep vials on cytec 2000 thin prep     processor
4. Stain slides with papanicolaou stain
5. Coverslip slides and label with appropriate     assigned accession number label 
6. Non-GYN (aspirates, body fluids & other body sites)
7. Utilize both manual and automated techniques per   specimen as required.
8. Stain processed slides with papanicolaou stain
9. Coverslip slides and label with appropriate   assigned accession number label.
10. Ensure Quality Control Procedures.
11. Operate and maintain Histology and Cytology Equipment.
12.   Clean and maintain the frozen section room, including the cleaning and the Decontaminating of the Cryostat.
13.   Recycle xylene and alcohol in an environmental friendly and cost effective manner while utilizing the recycling unit.
14.  Usage, Storage and Disposal of Tissue:
15. Pathological and cytological materials are placed and contained in a safe secure readily retrieval manner. 
16. Storage guidelines for all tissue and body fluids are followed as stated by accrediting and/or regulatory agencies. 
17. All tissue and body fluids are disposed of in proper containers while following state and federal guidelines.
18. Usage, Storage and Disposal of Chemicals:
19. All chemicals received are properly labeled, stored and maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications and disposed of in compliance with EMH, state and federal disposal policies and guidelines.
20. File, Store and Dispose of slides/tissue blocks.
21. Delegate tasks for daily workload.
22. Maintain departmental files, logs and perform data entry functions related to the processing of histological and cytological specimens to ensure required information is documented.
23. Work with team to implement new test methodologies, maintain   accreditation standards studies through procedure revisions and proficiency testing; evaluation of processes to enhance efficiency. 
24. Maintain supply and evaluate new products for cost effectiveness and possible implementation. Discuss and meet with various vendors regarding products and cost savings.
25. Prepare information for additions/changes to procedure manuals.
26. Maintain statistical data (daily, weekly, monthly).
27. Demonstrate commitment to professional accountability and growth to maintain and expand knowledge and skills.
28. Contribute to the achievement of the mission and philosophy of the organization.
29. Contribute to the effective operations of the organization by demonstrating dependability in job performance.
30. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions, Hazards and Physical Effort:

Work standard work week with overtime as necessary. Staffing may require alteration to regularly scheduled shift. Work in a well lit laboratory area with adequate ventilation.  Work with formalin, xylene and other chemicals and reagents that are toxic, caustic or flammable. Physical exertion is light to moderate with moving of supplies and large reagent containers required. The task of this job involves exposure to blood, body fluids and tissues. Must be able to move or position 25 lb.

 

Contacts with Others:

Frequent direct contact with cytotechnologist, pathologists and pathology secretary.  Contact with nursing personnel, physician office personnel, physicians and all departmental clients. Contact with other departmental personnel. Some patient contact while assisting pathologists in surgery.  

 

Equipment Used:

Working knowledge and troubleshooting techniques are required on the following instruments: Microtomes, Embedding Center, Tissue Processor, Recycling Unit, Thin Prep Processor, Cryostat, Special Stains Stainer, Immunohistochemistry Stainer, and Centrifuges.

 

Special Skills Required:

Manual dexterity and judgment are necessary to manipulate thin tissue sections and to embed minute tissue specimens. Color discrimination required to verify quality of staining reactions. Working knowledge of chemical properties are essential for routine, special and immunohistochemistry staining procedures.

Qualifications

3 – 5 years of training and experience in histology techniques and procedures is required.