Histotechnician

McLaren Health Care•Mount Pleasant, MI

28d

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Histotechnician prepares tissue and other biological samples for examination by pathologists and cytotechnologists. The role performs quality assurance functions, maintains procedure manuals, and maintains laboratory equipment and records in accordance with established accreditation guidelines and quality control standards. The Histotechnician prepares specimens for gross description, assists at the grossing bench, prepares frozen sections, embeds specimens, cuts representative slides, and stains slides using routine H&E and special stains. The role also prepares Pap, Gyn, and Non-Gyn specimens; labels and distributes slides; and operates, calibrates, prepares, and maintains equipment used for tissue processing, staining, labeling, and quality verification. The position includes maintaining stain setups and quality control documentation, conserving laboratory resources, maintaining a safe and clean work environment, and keeping professional and technical knowledge current. Other related duties may be assigned as required and directed.

Requirements

Associate degree including coursework in chemistry and biology, or completion of an accredited histotechnician (HT) program.
Histotechnician certification, or certification within 18 months of hire or transfer.

Responsibilities

Prepare specimens for gross description and assist at the grossing bench.
Prepare frozen sections and maintain specimen integrity.
Embed specimens accurately and cut slides representative of the block; stain slides with routine H&E stain.
Label and distribute slides accurately.
Perform maintenance and quality control on equipment in the work area, and communicate and document problems.
Operate, calibrate, prepare, and maintain equipment used for tissue processing and labeling; record and verify slide quality for microscopic evaluation.
Maintain stain setups by filtering and changing stains, washing stain dishes, and cleaning the stainer according to the QC chart; document stain filtering and changes.
Notify the pathologist of discrepancies in stainer appearance, operate the stainer according to specimen type, and perform special stains in a timely manner.
Prepare Pap, Gyn, and Non-Gyn specimens and match patient information to requisitions and received specimens.
Conserve laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, personal networks, and professional societies.
Maintain a safe and clean work environment and protect patients and employees by following infection-control, hazardous-waste, and other policies and protocols.
Perform other related duties as required and directed.