Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Veterans Health Administration • Durham, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

A Histopathology technician is responsible for all clinical disciplines of the Anatomic Pathology section to include Histology, Autopsy and Cytology. This Advanced Histopathology Technician will be performing digital pathology tasks including scanning slides and reviewing the quality of digital images. Duties include but are not limited to: The incumbent is involved in the implementation of special immunohistochemical procedures using enzymatic methodologies with various tumor markers to demonstrate antibody-antigen reactions that have specific value to the patient's disease state. The incumbent is accountable for Antibody Validation and Reagent Lot Verification for lmmunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures along with the Pathologist; develops parameters for each specialized procedure being done based on knowledge and skill specific to immunohistochemical work. The incumbent is responsible for fixation and processing of surgical, bone marrow, postmortem and cytologic specimens, including but not limited to dehydration, clearing, infiltration, sectioning and staining of histological materials and the preparation and staining of cytological specimens. The incumbent is responsible for decalcification to remove calcium deposits from tissues to provide optimal quality sections; embedding tissue to give proper orientation for diagnostic interpretation; preparing smears, cell blocks and monolayers by ThinPrep according to standard techniques and applying appropriate stains. The incumbent is responsible for preparing tissue with appropriate preservative for transport; routinely evaluating the appropriateness of specimen type, method of testing and any changes to procedure or alternative methods based on the information; and determining the correct handling procedures of each specimen for optimum results. This may necessitate adjustments or modifications of procedures to appropriately process such samples. The incumbent investigates, evaluates, and establishes quality control materials for measuring the validity and accuracy of testing results in the Histology section. Identifies and resolves problems by examining all aspects of testing including instrument function, conditions of test performance and evaluation of reaction systems for type and match purposes and quality control. The incumbent manages the operation and maintenance of equipment in the section and adapts equipment for specialized procedures. Prepares reagents following complex formula and specifications, taking into consideration patient sample specifications, and adjusting preparation accordingly using expertise and experience. Troubleshoots equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates information for a variety of complex tests. This incumbent also researches, adapts procedures used in the department in accordance with the various accreditation standards and policies/procedures. Remains abreast of current & developing methodologies to ensure the department meets with all accreditation agencies standards, (i.e.CAP, JCAHO, and OSHA, etc.). The incumbent ensures specimens are correctly labeled with appropriate request information and resolves issues, (such as inadequate labeling, wrong preservative used, inadequate specimens, etc.). The Incumbent is responsible for maintaining supply inventory on items used in the Histopathology Section and, as necessary, initiates orders for additional supplies, and distributes upon delivery. The incumbent utilizes recording systems to document the work process. Maintains an accurate filing system or organization of histological materials so the blocks, slides, and tissues are retrievable with minimum effort. The incumbent assists the Pathologist or Pathology Resident with autopsy, as needed. The duties include accounting for all required documentation, such as patient information, identity of the body, and scheduling the autopsy. Under the direction of the Pathologist or Pathology Resident, performs postmortem eviscerations, places removed specimens in proper preserving solutions or containers and properly labels the specimens. The incumbent performs restoration procedure of the body and maintains the autopsy area including instruments, equipment, and clothing. The incumbent will also appropriately discard residual autopsy tissues in accordance with retention guidelines. The incumbent is under the supervision of a Pathologist and Anatomical Pathology Supervisor and participates in the development of histological protocols as it relates to local antibodies and instrument correlations and methods. The Incumbent evaluates new procedures for incorporation into the lab and assesses the effectiveness of the procedures and quality control in accordance with the requirements of accreditation agencies and works to ensure the section is compliant. The incumbent will scan slides to produce digital images, review image quality, manage digital workflows, perform equipment maintenance, and system troubleshooting as needed.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• Must complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section.
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
• One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician.
• OR, Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry; or Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology.
• OR, Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field.
• Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
• Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems.
• Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting.
• Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems.

Nice To Haves

• The incumbent is accountable for Antibody Validation and Reagent Lot Verification for lmmunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures along with the Pathologist; develops parameters for each specialized procedure being done based on knowledge and skill specific to immunohistochemical work.
• The incumbent is responsible for fixation and processing of surgical, bone marrow, postmortem and cytologic specimens, including but not limited to dehydration, clearing, infiltration, sectioning and staining of histological materials and the preparation and staining of cytological specimens.
• The incumbent is responsible for decalcification to remove calcium deposits from tissues to provide optimal quality sections; embedding tissue to give proper orientation for diagnostic interpretation; preparing smears, cell blocks and monolayers by ThinPrep according to standard techniques and applying appropriate stains.
• The incumbent is responsible for preparing tissue with appropriate preservative for transport; routinely evaluating the appropriateness of specimen type, method of testing and any changes to procedure or alternative methods based on the information; and determining the correct handling procedures of each specimen for optimum results.
• The incumbent investigates, evaluates, and establishes quality control materials for measuring the validity and accuracy of testing results in the Histology section.
• Identifies and resolves problems by examining all aspects of testing including instrument function, conditions of test performance and evaluation of reaction systems for type and match purposes and quality control.
• The incumbent manages the operation and maintenance of equipment in the section and adapts equipment for specialized procedures.
• Prepares reagents following complex formula and specifications, taking into consideration patient sample specifications, and adjusting preparation accordingly using expertise and experience.
• Troubleshoots equipment, verifies correct instrument operation; standardizes, performs, and calculates information for a variety of complex tests.
• This incumbent also researches, adapts procedures used in the department in accordance with the various accreditation standards and policies/procedures.
• Remains abreast of current & developing methodologies to ensure the department meets with all accreditation agencies standards, (i.e.CAP, JCAHO, and OSHA, etc.).
• The incumbent ensures specimens are correctly labeled with appropriate request information and resolves issues, (such as inadequate labeling, wrong preservative used, inadequate specimens, etc.).
• The Incumbent is responsible for maintaining supply inventory on items used in the Histopathology Section and, as necessary, initiates orders for additional supplies, and distributes upon delivery.
• The incumbent utilizes recording systems to document the work process.
• Maintains an accurate filing system or organization of histological materials so the blocks, slides, and tissues are retrievable with minimum effort.
• The incumbent assists the Pathologist or Pathology Resident with autopsy, as needed.
• The duties include accounting for all required documentation, such as patient information, identity of the body, and scheduling the autopsy.
• Under the direction of the Pathologist or Pathology Resident, performs postmortem eviscerations, places removed specimens in proper preserving solutions or containers and properly labels the specimens.
• The incumbent performs restoration procedure of the body and maintains the autopsy area including instruments, equipment, and clothing.
• The incumbent will also appropriately discard residual autopsy tissues in accordance with retention guidelines.
• The incumbent is under the supervision of a Pathologist and Anatomical Pathology Supervisor and participates in the development of histological protocols as it relates to local antibodies and instrument correlations and methods.
• The Incumbent evaluates new procedures for incorporation into the lab and assesses the effectiveness of the procedures and quality control in accordance with the requirements of accreditation agencies and works to ensure the section is compliant.
• The incumbent will scan slides to produce digital images, review image quality, manage digital workflows, perform equipment maintenance, and system troubleshooting as needed.

Responsibilities

• Performing digital pathology tasks including scanning slides and reviewing the quality of digital images.
• Implementing special immunohistochemical procedures using enzymatic methodologies with various tumor markers.
• Performing Antibody Validation and Reagent Lot Verification for Immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures.
• Developing parameters for specialized procedures based on knowledge and skill specific to immunohistochemical work.
• Fixing and processing surgical, bone marrow, postmortem and cytologic specimens.
• Performing dehydration, clearing, infiltration, sectioning and staining of histological materials.
• Preparing and staining cytological specimens.
• Performing decalcification to remove calcium deposits from tissues.
• Embedding tissue to give proper orientation for diagnostic interpretation.
• Preparing smears, cell blocks and monolayers by ThinPrep according to standard techniques and applying appropriate stains.
• Preparing tissue with appropriate preservative for transport.
• Evaluating the appropriateness of specimen type, method of testing and any changes to procedure or alternative methods.
• Determining the correct handling procedures of each specimen for optimum results.
• Investigating, evaluating, and establishing quality control materials for measuring the validity and accuracy of testing results.
• Identifying and resolving problems by examining all aspects of testing including instrument function, conditions of test performance and evaluation of reaction systems.
• Managing the operation and maintenance of equipment in the section and adapting equipment for specialized procedures.
• Preparing reagents following complex formula and specifications.
• Troubleshooting equipment and verifying correct instrument operation.
• Standardizing, performing, and calculating information for a variety of complex tests.
• Researching and adapting procedures used in the department in accordance with accreditation standards and policies/procedures.
• Ensuring specimens are correctly labeled with appropriate request information and resolving issues.
• Maintaining supply inventory on items used in the Histopathology Section and initiating orders for additional supplies.
• Utilizing recording systems to document the work process.
• Maintaining an accurate filing system or organization of histological materials.
• Assisting the Pathologist or Pathology Resident with autopsy, as needed.
• Performing postmortem eviscerations, placing removed specimens in proper preserving solutions or containers and properly labeling the specimens.
• Performing restoration procedure of the body and maintaining the autopsy area including instruments, equipment, and clothing.
• Appropriately discarding residual autopsy tissues in accordance with retention guidelines.
• Participating in the development of histological protocols as it relates to local antibodies and instrument correlations and methods.
• Evaluating new procedures for incorporation into the lab and assessing the effectiveness of the procedures and quality control.
• Scanning slides to produce digital images, reviewing image quality, managing digital workflows, performing equipment maintenance, and system troubleshooting.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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