Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:
Using technical skills and knowledge, the Histology Technician prepares slides of body tissues to be used by the pathologist for analysis and diagnostic purposes. This includes, but is not limited to: Accessioning, assisting with gross dissection, processing tissue, embedding, microtomy, routine, special and immunohistochemical staining, cover slipping, and performance of frozen sections.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
If ALL preferred education recommendations are NOT met, MUST have 1 year experience in Histology including the following disciplines: Accessioning, assisting gross, embedding, microtomy, H&E staining, and a working knowledge of immunohistochemistry staining. AndIf ALL preferred education is MET, no experience required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Computer Skills
  
  Basic computer knowledge: Uses word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail application, and web browser. Comfortable within a Windows OS and learning new applications.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Required English Skills Basic reading skillsBasic writing skillsBasic oral skillsCommunication Skills Ability to respond appropriately to customer/co-workerInteraction with a wide variety of peopleMaintain confidential informationAbility to communicate only the facts to recipients or to decline to reveal informationAbility to project a professional, friendly, helpful demeanor



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrates technical skills required to embed, section, stain and label tissue specimens. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in embedding.Adjusts embedding technique to meet the request of the pathologist.Demonstrates knowledge and skill in sectioning paraffin embedded tissues at appropriate thicknesses.Follows established protocols for number of slides, thickness, deepness between levels.Demonstrates knowledge and skill in sectioning frozen tissue specimens and assisting during interoperative consultations. Responds quickly and efficiently to these requests and understands the importance to the patient. Understands and has the ability to troubleshoot routine H&E stains. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in performing this manually if needed due to instrumentation issues.Understands and has the ability to troubleshoot Special Stains. Demonstrates knowledge and skill in performing these manually if needed due to instrumentation issues.Demonstrates knowledge and skill in performing immunohistochemical (IHC) stains.Displays a willingness to adapt to change as the department grows and evolves.Utilizes proper technique as defined by each individual procedure.Checks controls for quality of work and repeats testing as required.Consults with pathologist about problem specimens. Involves others when necessary.Observes safety guidelines.Organizes work priorities to provide exceptional service and turnaround time.
• Demonstrates technical skills required to accession Histology specimens and assist with Gross DissectionUtilizes the Anatomic Pathology Lab Information System (LIS) to log and accession specimens.Organizes work priorities to provide exceptional service and turnaround time.Works closely with the Pathologist's Assistant (PA) and/or Pathologists to ensure coding and specimen types are correct.Communicates delays or concerns with coworkers and the PAs, utilizes the Communication Board as appropriate to ensure handoff between shifts. Consistently demonstrates Service Always behaviors in all interactions.Retrieves Anatomical Pathology specimens from surgery, endoscopy, reference laboratory and Histology refrigerator.Matches all specimens with requisitions, checking two patient identifiers at each step.Ensures specimens and requisitions are labeled with two patient identifiers and specimen source; follows up on any unlabeled or incorrectly labeled specimens/requisitions and logs these on the appropriate form for monthly review.Accurately enters pertinent data including physicians and specimens submitted in AP LIS System. Ensures all appropriate submitting physicians and Hospitals are included as to avoid later amendments and dissatisfied clients.Prints cassettes accordingly.Accurately records assigned Anatomic Pathology specimen accession number on specimen container and requisition.Accurately orders expected stains based on the requisition or established protocols. Ensures grossed cassettes are placed in 10% NBF.Removes any unused cassettes from LIS.Ensures processors are loaded properly and started at scheduled times.Uses critical thinking to ensure specimen integrity at all times.Assists the PA or Pathologist in any way requested. Ensures the accessioning and grossing area is clean and well-organized.
• Participates in support activities necessary to ensure an effective and efficient operation Contributes ideas and assists in implementing changes to ensure efficient operation of the department.Supports co-workers by assisting in department support activities: takes temperatures, labels and dates all reagents, checks reagents for outdating and discards as needed, restocks reagents and supplies, notifies appropriate person when inventory is low, changes tissue processors, changes staining reagents, discards tissues, sends slides and blocks which are 5-10 years old to off-site storage facility, recycles xylene and alcohol, files blocks and slides.Disposes of chemical wastes appropriatelyCleans and maintains instruments