Histotechnician

McLaren Health Care•Bay City, MI

10d

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 supports gross pathology and routine histology, prepares and stains slides, labels and distributes them, and operates and maintains equipment used for tissue processing, staining, and labeling. The role also prepares Pap, Gyn, and Non-Gyn specimens, verifies patient and specimen information, documents quality control activities and equipment issues, and follows infection-control, hazardous-waste, and other safety policies.

Requirements

Associate degree including coursework in chemistry and biology, or completion of an accredited histotechnician (HT) program.
Histotechnician certification, or obtain 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 while maintaining specimen integrity.
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 set-up 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; match patient information to the requisition and specimen received.
Conserve laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
Maintain a safe and clean working 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.