Histotechnologist, Full Time, 1st Shift

Huntsville Hospital Health System•Decatur, AL

About The Position

The Histotechnologist provides technical support to Pathologists and guidance to the Histology department by performing high-volume, repetitive procedures in anatomical pathology. The role receives specimens and requisitions, maintains and operates highly technical automated instrumentation, responds to Pathologists’ phone and verbal requests according to standard operating procedures, and performs related duties needed to support accurate and complete Pathology and Autopsy reports. The position also performs secretarial responsibilities and other duties as required by Lab Management and Pathologists to carry out the hospital’s mission.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved Histotech program.
HT or HTL (ASCP) registry certification.
Knowledge of anatomic, physiologic, and pathological procedures and medical terminology.
Follow required regulatory guidelines and acceptable laboratory practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience in histopathology under the supervision of a Pathologist is preferred.
Above-average typing and computer skills are desired.
Experience with dictating machines, computers, and word-processing programs is desired.
Prior medical transcription or secretarial experience is desired.

Responsibilities

Perform medical laboratory tests, procedures, and analyses to provide data for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Follow established departmental policies and procedures, perform procedures accurately and precisely, and take responsibility for procedure-manual updates.
Demonstrate competency in laboratory services and provide technical direction and oversight to Histology Specialists as required.
Receive specimens, verify identification and acceptability, maintain accession logs, label cassettes, and process cassettes according to established procedures.
Follow infection-control and laboratory safety procedures, including personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and disposal of contaminated equipment.
Perform routine maintenance, document corrective actions or problems, and notify the supervisor of unscheduled maintenance.
Embed and orient specimens, cut blocks using a microtome, and prepare slides according to established procedures.
Log, rotate, and monitor reagents and supplies; discard expired items, maintain stock, and report low inventory.
Keep the work area clean, neat, and disinfected daily.
Perform required staining procedures and quality control, evaluate stains, and mount stained slides using appropriate media.
Label slides accurately and legibly; prepare reagents, stains, and fixatives according to written protocols; file and retrieve slides and blocks as needed.
Verify that the correct specimen is being analyzed for the correct patient and indicated procedure, and assess specimen adequacy.
Coordinate multiple tests, adjust to STAT orders and workload fluctuations, and organize work to meet turnaround times.
Use medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and English-language rules for transcription; clarify unclear or incomplete dictation and compile QI data in a timely manner.
Assist Pathologists in preparing for Tumor Conference and other presentations.
Assess situations, consider alternatives, and select an appropriate course of action.
Mail, receive, and track consultation documents as needed.
Use the Meditech LIS and HIS computer functions required for Histotechnologist duties; report or troubleshoot computer malfunctions according to protocol.
Charge or credit procedures as needed.
Maintain current job and professional knowledge through retraining, in-services, continuing education, and independent learning.
Participate in training new employees and follow regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices.
Follow CAP and other regulatory guidelines for laboratory practices.
Remain aware of Patient Safety Goals and strive to meet them.
Perform secretarial responsibilities and other duties as required by Lab Management and Pathologists.