Histology Technician

Episcopal Health Services • Far Rockaway, NY

6d

About The Position

The Histology Technician performs histology laboratory procedures while maintaining specimen and patient identification throughout the workflow. The role uses the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Anatomic Pathology computer system to accession specimens, order blocks, stains, and recuts; generate case logs and work lists; and produce labels. Duties include tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, preparing reagents and stains, evaluating stain quality, and performing frozen section procedures for immediate evaluation by the pathologist. The technician also maintains equipment, performs quality control, follows chemical hygiene and safety procedures, disposes of laboratory waste appropriately, and collaborates with the manager and other team members. The position is full-time, 75 hours bi-weekly, on the day shift from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Requirements

• Associate degree.
• New York State license as a Histo-technician or Histo-technologist, as applicable to the position.

Nice To Haves

• Previous histology laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain specimen and patient identification throughout the histology workflow.
• Use the LIS and Anatomic Pathology computer system to accession specimens, order blocks, stains, and recuts; generate daily case logs and work lists; and produce labels.
• Operate the tissue processor, including loading and unloading cassettes, purging, selecting programs, and monitoring processing end times.
• Perform routine tissue processor maintenance and quality control and maintain required documentation.
• Prepare tissue specimens for embedding by selecting appropriate mold sizes and orienting specimens correctly.
• Use clean embedding techniques to prevent cross-contamination and tissue floaters.
• Perform microtomy using proper sectioning techniques to produce sections of appropriate thickness and quality for diagnostic evaluation.
• Maintain a clean water bath and use techniques to prevent tissue floaters.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, and stains according to established laboratory procedures; filter, change, and rotate them at appropriate intervals.
• Evaluate stain quality daily, document quality control activities, troubleshoot staining issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Follow equipment maintenance schedules and maintain equipment quality control and maintenance logs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of instrument operating manuals, emergency service contacts, and the location and proper use of laboratory equipment.
• Follow chemical hygiene and safety procedures for handling xylene, formalin, alcohols, autostainer waste, stains, and paraffin.
• Use appropriate PPE and know the location and proper use of safety equipment, including eyewash stations, safety showers, and fire extinguishers.
• Perform frozen section procedures, including embedding tissue in molds, sectioning tissue with a cryostat, mounting sections on slides, and staining slides for immediate evaluation by the pathologist.
• Dispose of laboratory waste and sharps promptly and according to established safety procedures.
• Assist the manager with laboratory-related problems and collaborate with other team members.
• Assist with orientation of new employees and medical students.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and follow established laboratory policies and procedures.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree