Mohs Histology Technician (104480)

U.S. Dermatology Partners•Chesterfield, MO

33d

About The Position

The Mohs Histology Technician supports the diagnostic evaluation of tissue by performing histological procedures within the guidelines established by a Mohs laboratory, clinic, or stand-alone laboratory. The role performs specialized histopathological procedures, including specimen embedding and orientation, cryostat microtomy and sectioning, routine staining, slide mounting, reagent preparation, and, when applicable, immunohistochemical techniques. The technician operates and maintains laboratory instruments, monitors instrument performance, recognizes malfunctions, and records quality-control data for reagents, equipment, and products. The position also maintains laboratory records and logs, labels and files slides and tissue blocks, follows chemical hygiene and biohazard procedures, and adheres to OSHA regulations and universal precautions. The role participates in quality-improvement activities, helps evaluate new procedures and equipment, assists with laboratory housekeeping, and supports a culture of high quality and customer service. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Associate's degree required, with credit-hour-specific requirements.
Ability to follow or provide verbal and written instructions with sufficient grammar and spelling skills to avoid mistakes or misinterpretations.
Interpersonal skills to support customer service, functional, and teammate needs.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Mathematical and/or analytical ability for basic to intermediate problem solving.
Basic to intermediate computer-operation skills.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations applicable to the position and a general understanding of HIPAA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of laboratory experience.
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biology.
Certified Histological Technician or Technologist credential (HT or HTL, ASCP).
Thorough knowledge of medical terminology.
Detail-oriented, professional, and reliable approach.
Management and organizational skills to support leadership of the function.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Specialty knowledge of systems relating to the job function.

Responsibilities

Perform specialized histopathological procedures in the Mohs laboratory.
Embed and orient specimens correctly, freeze them to the appropriate device, and adhere them to the prepared object holder.
Operate a microtome within a cryostat, verify block orientation, trim specimens appropriately, and produce acceptable representative sections.
Place sections on correctly labeled microscope slides and label and store cut specimen blocks accurately.
Select appropriate stains and chemicals for H&E or T-Blue procedures; prepare and maintain stains and solutions; assess staining quality and correct problems.
When applicable, select appropriate immunohistochemistry controls and antigen retrieval procedures for specific antibodies.
Coverslip slides using a compatible mounting medium.
Maintain and service instruments according to established protocols; monitor and document performance, recognize malfunctions, and identify repair needs.
Prepare reagents according to established procedures, record quality-control data, store and preserve reagents appropriately, and recognize when reagents need replacement.
Follow established safety practices, OSHA regulations, universal precautions, chemical-handling requirements, and biohazard, waste, and sharps-disposal procedures.
Investigate and resolve complaints or refer unusual problems to a superior.
Participate in department or unit quality-improvement activities and assist with general Mohs laboratory housekeeping.
Maintain the Mohs laboratory logbook and routine maintenance logs, including records for temperature, humidity, reagents, cryostat, microscope, and stainer.
Conduct quality-control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintain appropriate records and reports.
Label and file slides in numerical order.
Assist in evaluating new procedures and equipment for potential laboratory adoption.
Perform other duties as assigned in the best interest of the organization.