Mohs Histology Technician

U.S. Dermatology Partners•Plano, TX

19d

About The Position

Supports the diagnostic evaluation of tissue through histological procedures and performs duties within the guidelines established by the Mohs laboratory, whether clinic-based or stand-alone. The position travels to Plano, Dallas, and Corsicana. It performs specialized histopathological procedures, including specimen embedding and microtomy; routine staining; applicable immunohistochemical techniques; slide mounting; instrument maintenance and operation; and reagent preparation and quality control. The technician follows established safety, chemical hygiene, and biohazard procedures, including OSHA regulations and universal precautions. General duties include participating in quality improvement activities, maintaining laboratory and maintenance logs, supporting housekeeping, evaluating new procedures and equipment, conducting quality control, and filing slides. The position also supports high-quality customer service and performs other duties as assigned. This role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Associate's degree required, with credit-hour-specific requirements.
Minimum one year of laboratory experience preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Biology preferred.
Certified Histological Technician or Technologist credential (HT or HTL, ASCP) preferred.
Thorough knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
Detail-oriented, professional, and reliable.
Management and organizational skills to support leadership of this function.
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.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Specialty knowledge of systems relating to the job function.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations and a general understanding of HIPAA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 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.

Responsibilities

Perform specialized histopathological procedures in the Mohs laboratory.
Embed specimens in the correct orientation and freeze them to the embedding device to ensure representative sections.
Operate a microtome within a cryostat, verify block orientation, trim specimens appropriately, produce acceptable representative sections, and place sections on correctly labeled slides.
Label and store cut specimen blocks accurately in the cryostat chamber.
Select appropriate stains and chemicals for H&E or T-Blue staining; prepare and maintain stains and solutions; assess staining quality and correct problems.
When applicable, identify appropriate immunohistochemistry controls and antigen retrieval procedures for specific antibodies.
Cover-slip slides using xylene or a compatible xylene-substitute mounting medium.
Operate, maintain, and service instruments according to established protocols; document performance, recognize malfunctions, and identify repair needs.
Prepare reagents according to procedures, record reagent quality-control data, select proper storage and preservation, and recognize when reagents need replacement.
Follow safety practices, OSHA regulations, universal precautions, chemical hygiene requirements, and procedures for handling and disposing of chemicals, biohazard materials, waste, and sharps.
Investigate and resolve complaints or refer unusual problems to a superior.
Participate in department or unit quality improvement activities and assist with laboratory housekeeping.
Maintain the Mohs laboratory logbook with accession number, date, patient, tumor location, and physician information.
Assist in evaluating new procedures and equipment for possible adoption by the laboratory.
Conduct quality-control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintain records for quality-control reports.
Label and file slides in numerical order.
Maintain routine maintenance logbook information, including temperature and humidity, reagents, cryostat, microscope, and stainer.
Adhere to safety policies and procedures while supporting high-quality service.
Perform other duties as assigned in the best interest of the organization.