Histotechnician PRN (69677)

United Digestive•Alpharetta, GA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Histotechnician is responsible for maintaining the diagnostic viability of all specimens received, ensuring correct labeling of materials, and performing gross examination, processing, embedding, and sectioning of surgical tissue for microscopic examination. This role involves cutting and staining sections for rapid diagnosis, performing routine H&E staining, and implementing new and established special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains. The technician will examine all produced slides using a microscope to ensure high quality before submission. Additionally, the role includes preparing and maintaining tissue fixatives and paraffins, managing reagents and solutions for staining, and maintaining laboratory equipment such as microtomes, embedding machines, and tissue processors. Record keeping for tissue preparations and quality control, maintaining a safe and orderly laboratory environment, and performing basic tracking, look-up, and billing functions through the LIS system are also key duties. The Histotechnician must be able to recognize and verify the validity and clinical relevance of tissue preparations, consult with supervisors for unusual findings, and perform quality assurance procedures including control testing and instrument maintenance. Following CLIA Patient Safety Goals and performing other duties as directed are also part of the responsibilities.

Requirements

American Society of Clinical Pathologists registered histologic technician HT (ASCP) or histotechnologist HTL (ASCP)
Bachelors degree in science such as microbiology, chemistry, or a closely related field plus one year of clinical histology experience
Two years (24 months) of responsible work experience and/or on-the-job training in histologic techniques in a laboratory facility performing qualitative and quantitative exams such as trimming, processing and embedding tissues, examining histochemical and immunohistochemical slides, and/or cutting and staining tissue sections.
Must demonstrate the ability to gross, embed, section, and stain routine tissue with acceptable quantity and quality
Knowledge of biology, chemistry, histology, immunology, mathematics, and basic computer use
Must have excellent organizational skills to cope with an extremely busy work schedule associated with wide variety of techniques which must be handled accurately and expeditiously
Must function independently in dealing with specimens and their proper handling
Ability to stay calm while working quickly and with a high degree of accuracy to meet the demands of the daily workload
On own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessary
Good interpersonal skills to interact effectively with co-workers and department staff
Ability to work under general supervision

Nice To Haves

Medical background, and knowledge of procedure codes, diagnosis codes, and medical records procedure preferred
Interact with physicians, patients, staff, visitors, and all customers via telephone conversations and in person in a pleasant and helpful manner

Responsibilities

Maintain diagnostic viability of all specimens received, and ensure correct labeling of all materials
Gross, process, embed, and make sections of surgical tissue submitted for microscopic examination
Cut and stain sections for rapid diagnosis
Perform routine H&E staining as well as implement new and established special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains
Examine all slides produced using a microscope and submit only those slides which are of high quality
Prepare and maintain tissue fixatives and paraffins for tissue embedding, maintain reagents and solutions for staining of tissue sections
Maintain and make minor adjustments and repairs to laboratory equipment such as microtomes, embedding machines, tissue processors, and slide and block printers
Maintain records of tissue preparations and quality control
Maintain a neat, orderly, and safe working environment in the laboratory while adhering to all guidelines
Perform basic tracking, look-up, and billing functions of blocks and slides through the LIS system
Use information system down time procedures when appropriate
Review blocks and slides, using technical and scientific knowledge to recognize and verify validity and clinical relevance; consult with supervisor prior to the release of blocks/slides if unusual or unanticipated; follow laboratory SOPs for block/slide preparation and distribution
Perform establish quality assurance procedures such as quality control testing, instrument function checks, periodic maintenance, and maintain appropriate records for these procedures
Participate, as needed, in proficiency testing
Follows all CLIA Patient Safety Goals.
Performs all other duties and responsibilities as directed.