Histology Technician I

Altru Health System•Grand Forks, ND

12d•$28 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

The Histology Technician prepares sections of human tissue from surgical procedures for microscopic examination and patient diagnosis by a Pathologist. Work includes processing, embedding, cutting, staining, and mounting tissue onto glass slides. The technician uses computerized laboratory equipment and technology for data entry, retrieval, documentation, and communication; verifies specimen labeling; and manages patient and specimen encounters, order entry, accessioning, and information retrieval. The position includes preparing and maintaining reagents and stock solutions, performing immunohistochemistry and special stains, and carrying out quality assurance and maintenance processes. The technician also coordinates send-outs and special requests, supports the Pathologist with general and special procedures, and disposes of chemicals and patient specimens in accordance with regulatory guidelines. This role works indoors and involves frequent sitting, standing, bending, and reaching, as well as continuous handling/fingering, seeing, and hearing.

Requirements

A minimum of 1 year of related experience.
Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Histotechnician certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology within 12 months of the start date.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Science (preferred).

Responsibilities

Use technology to perform accurate data entry and retrieval, documentation, and communication.
Receive specimens and verify that specimen and requisition labels are accurate.
Manage patient and specimen encounters, order entry, and accessioning.
File and retrieve patient information, blocks, and slides, and report problems.
Recognize procedural or technical problems, troubleshoot, take corrective action using initiative and independent judgment, document the problem and corrective action, and notify the supervisor, Manager, or Pathologist as appropriate.
Prepare pathology slides by embedding tissue sections, cutting paraffin blocks, staining, and coverslipping; review stained slides microscopically for quality assurance.
Perform immunohistochemistry and special stains, and prepare and maintain adequate reagents and stock solutions according to standard operating procedures.
Initiate, perform, and document quality assurance and maintenance processes.
Serve as a reference for send-outs and special test or specimen requirements; coordinate and process send-outs and special requests; and assist the Pathologist with general and special procedures.
Communicate courteously through verbal, written, and other appropriate means to support business operations.
Dispose of chemicals and patient specimens according to regulatory guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned or needed to meet department or organizational needs.