Histology Technician Certified

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of supervisors is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and accurate performance of a variety of histological procedures on tissue specimens.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Completed a 12-month clinical internship in an accredited school for Histotechnology.

Experience:

1. No previous experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Must have a workable knowledge of the position and must be able to independently make logical and sound decisions based on knowledge and available resources. 
2. Must demonstrate the ability to organize, direct and communicate effectively. 
3. Must have demonstrated initiative and interest in his/her overall job performance.
4. Must be adaptable to the day to day workflow of the Pathology Lab.
5. Communicates effectively with lab staff, Medical Center departmental staff, patients, medical staff or anyone requiring laboratory service.  

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Certified HT with ASCP, AMT, NCCLS or equivalent certification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Medical Director, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Supervisors, and Section Head III-Histology.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Responsible for the identification and processing of all tissue specimens received in anatomic pathology.
   1. Assigns an appropriate sequential accession number to each tissue specimen maintaining absolute certainty of patient identification at all times throughout processing and handling procedures. Always enters all patient demographic information, specimen source and physician and/or surgeon for each specimen received accurately.
   2. Assists pathologist with the gross examination of all tissue specimens by providing accurately labeled tissue cassette for each specimen as it is examined, loading and operating the tissue processor, and by providing any assistance required as requested from the pathologist.
   3. Meticulously processes, cuts sections from embedded tissue blocks, stains and delivers prepared slides to pathologist in a timely manner for daily microscopic examination.
   4. Assists pathologist with frozen section preparation immediately after specimen is received in the histology department and ability to cut frozen sections as needed.
   5. Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of IHC, ISH, and Special Stains.
   6. Prepares slides or any anatomical material for sending to other laboratories for consultation or processing as deemed necessary by the pathologist.
   7. Prepares breast panels by scanning images for review by pathologists.
   8. Files properly indexed tissue slides and blocks for storage and efficient retrieval at all times. Assures that slides are retained for proper length of time before discarding.  Assists with the rotation of all patient specimens located in storage sites as needed.
2. Maintains all departmental equipment and supplies.
   1. Checks the performance of and maintains all equipment, including any back up equipment, in working condition at all times.
   2. Understands instrumental and procedural principles in order to effectively troubleshoot and make minor repairs or procedural changes independently when necessary. Will request assistance as necessary from supervisor or contact manufacturers' service hot line with those instruments for which we have service contracts and technical specialists for any reagent problems.  Notifies affected patient care area if delays may occur.
   3. Maintains complete and current maintenance records for all equipment and performs preventive maintenance and calibration as recommended by manufacturer.
   4. Maintains cost control in utilization of materials and suggests ways to improve conservation of same as appropriate.
   5. Rotates, dates, and tests reagents as they are received or prepared to insure accuracy, avoid expiration, and provide availability for use when needed.
   6. Reports any need for, or significant decrease in, supply or reagent inventories, and reagent or supply problems to supervisor as soon as possible.
   7. Assists with the writing of procedure manuals in accordance with NCCLS format.
   8. Demonstrates compliance with safety procedures and quality assurance standards.
3. Assists with the implementation of new procedures and evaluations of new products.
   1. Evaluates new products, procedures or techniques and provides written information when requested, regarding findings, to supervisor as soon as possible after evaluation.
   2. Suggests changes in methodologies, workflow, etc. which will increase accuracy and/or efficiency of service at anytime.
   3. Keeps departmental records, forms, log sheets and other pertinent histologic information filed in concise and organized fashion for rapid reference or retrieval at all times.
4. Assists with training of other histology staff and provides information to Medical Center personnel regarding sample handling.
   1. Assists with orientation and training of new personnel in the Histology Department as requested.
   2. Must continually abide by and maintain current knowledge of, or be familiar with locating references to, any hospital or laboratory policy.
   3. Provides information to the nursing and/or medical staff regarding the proper use of materials for the collection or handling of specimens for histology.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
   1. Accepts additional assignments as assigned from lab supervisors or pathologists.
   2. Voluntarily assists co-workers when patient care priorities and workload fluctuate.
   3. Will be scheduled to work weekends or holidays as required for histology laboratory coverage and when assigned by the supervisor or pathologist.