Histology Technician I, Anatomic Pathology, 40hr, Night

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the laboratory or clinic manager, the Histology Technician I performs a wide array of laboratory tests and procedures of moderate complexity in a clinical laboratory or dermatology clinic. The role follows established protocols, performs routine procedures and quality control, and prepares human tissue specimens for microscopic examination by a surgeon or pathologist. The technician maintains laboratory supplies and equipment, follows chemical hygiene, blood pathogen, and other institutional safety requirements, and serves as backup to a Histology Technician II when needed. In Anatomic Pathology, the position prepares histopathologic slides for microscopic examination using microtomy techniques, including processing, embedding, sectioning, and routine staining of paraffin blocks. The position also requires working knowledge of special stains and immunohistochemistry procedures. The posting additionally describes dermatology duties involving frozen-section techniques, skin/tissue orientation and mapping, photography, and operative reports.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least 1 year of experience in histology.
Working knowledge of special stains and immunohistochemistry procedures.

Responsibilities

Follow established protocols to perform laboratory procedures and tests, including complex procedures in the assigned area.
Refer to a Histology Technician II, supervisory staff, or lead staff for assistance with complex or unusual tests and procedures.
Establish laboratory requirements and maintain par levels of dyes, stains, solutions, and equipment.
Organize and maintain laboratory and chemical supplies in accordance with chemical hygiene, blood pathogen, and institutional safety requirements.
Perform routine procedures and required quality control.
Accession human tissue specimens professionally; log them accurately and promptly; and prepare and present them for microscopic examination.
Prepare human tissue from surgical and diagnostic sources, perform specialized fixation, and examine sections microscopically to determine whether they have been properly prepared and stained.
Clean, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment used in surgical procedures to obtain skin specimens.
Read and interpret histographic displays (maps) and label specimens correctly.
Perform routine instrumentation maintenance and attend required continuing education sessions.
Serve as backup to a Histology Technician II when needed.
Prepare histopathologic slides for microscopic examination using microtomy techniques, including processing, embedding, sectioning, and routine staining of paraffin blocks.
For dermatology work, prepare histopathologic slides using frozen-section techniques; orient, map, thin-section, and stain skin or tissue removed during surgical procedures; take photographs; prepare operative reports; perform laboratory procedures accurately and precisely; and report and maintain a database of test results.