Histotechnologist

Under direct supervision, performs general histological duties according to established procedures as well as preparation of histologic slides for microscopic examination and diagnosis by the pathologist.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Exercises independent judgment in dealing with procedural and technical problems. 
• Examines slides and/or blocks to ensure tissue preparation is meeting laboratory requirements. 
• Trains and/or directs Histology Aides and Histology Technicians engaged in laboratory testing and processing techniques. 
• Prepares sections of human tissue for microscopic examination and patient diagnosis, using techniques to gross (dissect tissue), embed (orient specimen in paraffin block), section (cut thin sections of tissue), stain (enhance contrast of tissue and highlight specific features of interest with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains), and mount tissue (adhere tissue onto glass slides), from surgical procedures. 
• Performs recuts and additional stains including special and immunohistochemistry stains, as requested by a Pathologist. 
• Performs high complexity testing and assay validation to include: IHC, FISH and others as needed. 
• Maintains laboratory equipment and tracks all routine maintenance and quality controls performed. 
• May label requisitions, specimen containers, cassettes and/or slides and affixes coverslip to slides. 
• Operates, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, and workstation. 
• Complies with all State, Federal, professional regulations as well as company and departmental rules, polices, and procedural manuals. 
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience and education 

EXPERIENCE 

• No experience required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
• Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
• Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication. Ability to hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
• Frequent keyboard use/data entry.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting and gripping.
• Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
• Rare climbing.