Histotechnician
About The Position
Prepares surgical specimens for dissection and microscopic review by a pathologist, and prepares cytology specimens for microscopic review. Assists pathologists and other physicians with bone marrows and frozen sections. Supports the overall mission of the laboratory and facility. The role includes receiving and processing specimens from all sources, including QR, outpatient, and outreach; embedding surgical, autopsy, and research specimens; cutting thin tissue sections; staining slides; coverslipping and sending slides to pathologists; performing quality control and quality assurance; and filing slides and paraffin blocks for future reference and retrieval. Off-campus travel is required to obtain and re-file blocks and slides for consultations and conferences. Other duties may be assigned.
Requirements
- Associate's degree required.
- Two to three years of post-high-school training.
- Two to three years of previous experience.
- Three to six months of time on the job.
- Keen attention to detail.
- Superior manual dexterity and visual acuity for tissue sectioning.
- Visual acuity and specialized knowledge of staining principles.
- Thorough knowledge of quality control and quality assurance procedures, systems, and instrument functions.
- Ability to travel off campus to obtain and re-file slides and blocks.
Responsibilities
- Receive and process specimens from all sources, including QR, outpatient, and outreach; accession, identify, and label specimens; and ensure specimens meet established acceptance criteria.
- Embed surgical, autopsy, and research specimens, applying knowledge of gross tissue identification and correct tissue orientation in paraffin blocks. Expected average productivity is 40 blocks per hour.
- Cut tissue sections 2–4 microns thick using a microtome. Expected average productivity is 20 blocks per hour.
- Stain slides using routine and special stains, and prepare solutions as needed.
- Coverslip slides using an automated instrument and send slides to pathologists, ensuring errors that could affect patient diagnosis are detected or avoided.
- Perform quality control and quality assurance during and after processing and on all instruments, applying knowledge of procedures, systems, and instrument functions.
- File slides and paraffin blocks for future reference and retrieval; travel off campus to obtain and re-file materials for consultations and conferences.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Prepare cytology specimens for microscopic review.
- Assist pathologists and other physicians with bone marrows and frozen sections.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
