Histotechnologist 1 or 2

% 

of time

Key Responsibilities

TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 (The time spent in each of the following functions is determined by the Supervisor, Gross Room Advisor, Administrative Director and/or Medical Director). 

 GROSS SECTIONING: Performs gross sectioning of various types of biopsy specimens: weighs, measures, divides, cassettes and submits “Rush” specimens by cut-off time, dictates gross description of clinical data and specimen size, inks specimens as required for visualization or orientation, documents special instructions, enters Histology data in the computer system utilizing barcoding system, loads Histology tissue processors as needed. 

Standards: Maintains complete accuracy throughout. Submits clear, concise dictations. Works proactively with Histology lab staff to ensure optimal tissue fixation of specimens submitted by the Pathology Residents, advising Pathology Residents as needed. 

 GROSS SECTIONING OF SPECIFIED LESS COMPLEX TO COMPLEX SPECIMENS (CATEGORIES DETERMINED BY HT I, II, III OR  LEAD POSITION). Upon completion of training regimens as determined by the Medical Director and Supervisor, and under the direct supervision of a pathologist, performs gross sectioning of specified less complex to complex surgical specimens as determined by the Medical Director. Applies sound judgment during dissection of these surgical specimens according to established guidelines. Obtains guidance from the attending Pathologist or Lead Pathologists’ Assistant, who supervises distribution and grossing of all big/complex cases received. Prepares documentation explaining dissection and tissue selection methodology as needed for the subsequent light microscopic examination by the staff pathologist. 

Standards: Performs sectioning according to methodologies outlined in the on-line dissection guide. Maintains complete accuracy throughout. Submits clear, concise dictations. Maintains high-level communications with residents assigned to the case. 

 FROZEN SECTION DIAGNOSIS: Independently obtains and communicates with clinicians/surgeons about intraoperative specimens, performs rapid preparation of H&E-stained frozen section slides for rapid diagnosis by the Pathologist. Determines the need to obtain guidance from the attending pathologist regarding orientation, orients and samples the specimen, records sampling methodology, mounts, freezes and sections the specimen using a cryostat. Labels and delivers the slides to the Pathologist for rapid diagnosis. As directed, places residual tissue in the appropriate fixative for subsequent processing and communicates specimen handling when handed off. Standards: Applies utmost care handling and conserving small tissue specimens. Produces cryostat sections with minimal sectioning/staining artifact, and prepares slides demonstrating tissue areas, which are representative of the specimen. Utilizes whole slide imaging system when necessary. 

MORGUE TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

 PERFORMS AUTOPSY PROCEDURES: 

 Reconciles autopsy permit information with the decedents to be autopsied. 

 Informs residents about the legal aspects of autopsies and permit requirements associated with the autopsy. Coordinates procedure with residents, attendings, clinicians and other hospital personnel. 

 Prepares tables and instruments for autopsy. Checks body identification to insure proper decedent is being autopsied. Transfers the body from the morgue refrigerator and places the body on the table. 

 Performs specialized autopsy procedures, such as organ evisceration, brain and spinal cord removal, organ dissection, and suturing following established protocols and infection control procedures. 

 Decontaminates tables, instruments, and equipment following autopsies and conferences. 

 Notifies Patient Relations or ED Registration when autopsy is completed. 

 Accessions autopsy data in CoPath accurately. 

 Prepares fixatives and other laboratory reagents. 

 MORGUE OPERATIONS: 

 Responsible for maintaining protocol in the receipt and release of bodies from the morgue, including reviewing release documents for completeness and validity. 

 As required, harvests tissue for research projects following protocols as directed. 

 Prepares tissue and organs for conferences--sets up instruments, including dissecting microscope. 

 Maintains pathology specimen filing system: Rinses and bags tissue for disposal under direction of Medical Director. Labels organs saved at autopsy. Retains and disposes of specimens in the Morgue storage room following Dept./Medical Center requirements. 

 Prepares bodies for viewing by family members as arranged by Patient Relations or Nursing Services. 

 Assists with radiography and photography of specimens, including special diagnostic procedures, and managing digital gross photography archive system. 

 Maintains departmental log books. 

HISTOLOGY LAB TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 ROUTINE HISTOLOGY: 

Provides direction to staff regarding daily workflow. Demonstrates expert technical skill embedding, sectioning, routine and special staining at the expert level, following all technical standards. Completes workload within time deadlines. Meets highest levels of productivity and quality. 

 SECTIONING: 

Performs or directs other staff in preparation of the most difficult specimens presenting sectioning problems. Difficult types of specimens may include anything from insufficiently processed specimens to nearly invisible biopsy specimens. Routinely sections specimens following the most difficult sectioning specifications regarding thickness, orientation, serial sectioning, sectioning for PCR and in situ work-up. Maintains the highest level of productivity (20-25 blocks/hour) while preparing superior quality slides. 

 CONTROL SPECIMENS: 

Oversight of inventory of control blocks used for special stains. Anticipates needs and requests control specimens from the Pathologists as needed. 

 OTHER TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Proactively troubleshoots and resolves technical problems, communicating with Supervisor regarding resolution. In addition to operations oversight of staining and processing areas, manages specific assignments within the lab, e.g. department files, coordination of lab in-services, performance improvement projects, etc. 

 LABORATORY OPERATION: 

Maintains QC documentation files. Assists Lab Manager as designated in completion of annual safety requirements, which may include annual safety training schedule, air monitoring, respirator testing. Assists in assuring compliance with technical and general policies and procedures. Determines need, advises lab manager and oversee repair of equipment for the area of responsibility. Provides general oversight of the physical facilities and environment regarding cleanliness, safety and need for repairs, including  

CYTOLOGY LAB TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

 ROUTINE CYTOLOGY: 

Provides technical support to the cytology laboratory by forwarding specimens to the cytology laboratory. Technical functions encompass specimen preparation using a wide variety of technical procedures. Preparatory techniques require a high level of accuracy, independent judgment and the ability to produce high volumes of specimens. 

 TECHNICAL: Receives a wide variety of fresh and fixed specimens for cytopreparation. Preparation protocols include direct smears for fixation and air-drying, centrifugation, cytocentrifugation, and T2 ThinPrep processing. Prepared slides are stained using specific programs, coverslipped, labeled, and triaged for evaluation by faculty and staff. Gynecological material is accessioned, bar-coded and prepared on a multiload T3 processor. Slides are stained and loaded into an Imager for pre-evaluation. Prepares urinary sample as requested for ImmunoCyt fluorescent testing. Prepares and documents research cases as requested. Prepares samples for cell blocks, special stains, and flow cytometry. 

 MAINTENANCE: Provides basic maintenance and troubleshooting for automation in the lab, including the automatic stainer, coverslipper, ThinPrep processor, multiload processor and imaging station. 

 Incumbent performs other duties as assigned. 

 Incumbent maintains laboratory standards and Medical Center standards. 

 Incumbent must be able to work 

EM LAB TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

 ELECTRON MICROSCOPY: 

Performs all technical components of electron microscopy procedures as outlined in the EM Technologist descriptions. Technical components include specimen receipt, gross evaluation, fixation, tissue processing, thick sectioning, ultrathin sectioning, and operation of the electron microscope including electron microscopic examination and photography, and darkroom printing of micrographs. Communicates closely with pathologists regarding diagnostic priorities. 

 EM TECHNICAL STANDARDS: 

Maintains and ensures maintenance of all technical standards. Receipt: Selects cortical tissue containing glomeruli for EM and IF studies. Applies non-contaminating technique during specimen grossing to preserve tissue antigenicity. Maintains high level of communication with pathologists regarding specimen quality, amount, and adequacy. Documents work promptly, adherence to established processing schedules, maintains complete accuracy in labeling throughout, complete adherence to Standard Precautions and chemical safety standards. Thick sectioning and Ultramicrotomy: Pre-trims blocks according to specification leaving clear supporting resin surrounding tissue. Cuts sections which are free of sectioning and staining artifact. Performs precision final trimming of block to prevent tissue damage and/or loss. Orients block precisely in the ultramicrotome to minimize tissue loss during set-up. Prepares thin sections free of section contamination and sectioning artifact.