Histology Technician

Description

Job Summary:

The Histology Technician will perform the various tasks required for receiving, processing, and

preparing patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist. This may include logging, batching, and cutting, mounting and staining procedures. Tissue specimens received from surgical, diagnostic, or autopsy cases are sorted, logged, and prioritized according to the standards required.

Requirements

Duties:

1. Receives specimens for other cases when delivered to the Laboratory

3. Sorts specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and records in pathology log

4. Embeds specimens into blocks and fixes tissue in formalin

5. Operates instrumentation for tissue dehydration, section clearing, impregnation with paraffin, cutting tissue sections, and staining of slides

6. Prepares solutions, stains, and reagents in accordance with standards written procedures

7. Operates and maintains all histology area lab equipment in proper state of readiness, cleanliness

8. Records number of tissue blocks verifying proper identification and label

9. Performs and monitors inventory of supplies, equipment, and reagents used, and places orders for replacements as required

10. Assists the Pathologist in gross examination of surgical specimens and in frozen section

procedures

11. Is capable of performing all routine and special procedures which may include but is not limited to:

A. CAP workload recording

B. Operation of automotive strainers

C. Cytology fluid procedures

D. Cytospin 2 procedures

E. Cytology stains (non-gynecological smears)

F. Hypercenter operation

G. Hematoxylin and eosin stains

H. Deparaffinizing for special stains

I. Pathology report forms

J. Surgical pathology request forms

12. Performs other duties as requested by supervisors

Qualifications

1. Must be a Registered Histology Technician (ASCP) or be eligible for such registration or have a high school education and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a Histology Technician or

have a minimum of one year training under the direction of a registered Histology Technologist.

2. Spatial ability is required to perceive three-dimensional and geometric relationships when cutting paraffin blocks and making embedding molds.

3. Finger dexterity required to manipulate the micro-thin tissue sections and to mount onto

microscope slides

4. Color discrimination required to verify diagnostic quality of staining processes in order that

essential features of tissue sections can be properly defined.