Histotechnologist

Ephraim McDowell Health•Danville, KY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under moderate direction of the pathologists, clinical laboratory director and supervision of the pathology facilitator, performs histological and cytological procedures for complex testing. Process and produce slides for diagnostic reading by the pathologists and cytotechnologists. Exhibits the values of F.I.R.S.T. (Friendliness, Innovation, Respect, Service, and Trust).

Requirements

3 – 5 years of training and experience in histology techniques and procedures is required.
Manual dexterity and judgment are necessary to manipulate thin tissue sections and to embed minute tissue specimens.
Color discrimination required to verify quality of staining reactions.
Working knowledge of chemical properties are essential for routine, special and immunohistochemistry staining procedures.

Responsibilities

Receives and accepts surgical and cytological material while protecting the integrity and disposition of the specimen submitted for diagnosis.
Accession tissue specimens checking name, specimen type, and location, before entering into the L.I.S. system.
Prepare tissue for gross sections
Embed tissue
Cut paraffin sections with microtome onto slides
Stain slides with H&E’s
Coverslip slides and label with appropriate assigned accession number label
Perform special stains procedures
Perform immunohistochemistry procedures
GYN (pap smears and thin preps)
Prepare slides with accession numbers and filters
Process thin prep vials on cytec 2000 thin prep processor
Stain slides with papanicolaou stain
Coverslip slides and label with appropriate assigned accession number label
Non-GYN (aspirates, body fluids & other body sites)
Utilize both manual and automated techniques per specimen as required.
Stain processed slides with papanicolaou stain
Coverslip slides and label with appropriate assigned accession number label.
Ensure Quality Control Procedures.
Operate and maintain Histology and Cytology Equipment.
Clean and maintain the frozen section room, including the cleaning and the Decontaminating of the Cryostat.
Recycle xylene and alcohol in an environmental friendly and cost effective manner while utilizing the recycling unit.
Pathological and cytological materials are placed and contained in a safe secure readily retrieval manner.
Storage guidelines for all tissue and body fluids are followed as stated by accrediting and/or regulatory agencies.
All tissue and body fluids are disposed of in proper containers while following state and federal guidelines.
All chemicals received are properly labeled, stored and maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications and disposed of in compliance with EMH, state and federal disposal policies and guidelines.
File, Store and Dispose of slides/tissue blocks.
Delegate tasks for daily workload.
Maintain departmental files, logs and perform data entry functions related to the processing of histological and cytological specimens to ensure required information is documented.
Work with team to implement new test methodologies, maintain accreditation standards studies through procedure revisions and proficiency testing; evaluation of processes to enhance efficiency.
Maintain supply and evaluate new products for cost effectiveness and possible implementation. Discuss and meet with various vendors regarding products and cost savings.
Prepare information for additions/changes to procedure manuals.
Maintain statistical data (daily, weekly, monthly).
Demonstrate commitment to professional accountability and growth to maintain and expand knowledge and skills.
Contribute to the achievement of the mission and philosophy of the organization.
Contribute to the effective operations of the organization by demonstrating dependability in job performance.
Perform other related duties as assigned.