Histotechnologist

Laboratory Functions

• Interprets physician notes and when clinical information is contradictive or missing, obtains required information.
• Determines specimen adequacy for all histology samples.
• Receives, accesses, or rejects all specimens by following standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
• Performs data entry of case information into the appropriate computer system, ensuring that all identifying information is accurate and in the appropriate format.
• Grosses, processes, embeds, cuts, stains, performs special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), recuts, and coverslips all specimens received into the laboratory.
• Reviews control slides to ensure proper staining patterns.
• Validates equipment, detection kits, antibody lots, blockers, inhibitors, control tissue and new antibodies and documents before use on any specimen.
• Prepares stock reagents for use on manual and automated processes.
• Reviews cases at the microscope and discusses tissue orientation requirements and diagnostic criteria with pathologist and other histotechnician(s)/histotechnologist(s) as needed.
• Performs calibration of equipment as required.
• Checks and monitors pH of solutions, temperatures, and room environmental conditions (e.g. humidity) on a regular basis and documents the value for each on the proper chart/log.
• Performs and documents daily, monthly, quarterly, & annual maintenance activities.
• Transmits clinical trial subject data via laboratory information system protocol.
• Performs all housekeeping duties in the work area and laboratory.
• Checks, orders, and restocks supply inventory to ensure timely processing of each specimen.
• Participates actively in all laboratory quality management functions.
• Assists the supervisor in the creation, revision, retirement, implementation, and annual review of SOP’s
• Respects the confidentiality of patient records.
• Disposes of and properly handles sharps, reagents, biological and/or hazardous waste in a manner that is consistent with laboratory, state, and federal regulations.
• Utilizes, maintains, troubleshoots and documents equipment maintenance, according to checklist, to ensure proper performance of equipment.
• Follows laboratory requirements to file, retain, or destroy tissue, blocks, slides, logs, and paperwork.
• Coordinates workload to maximize productivity and quality of work based upon metrics.
• Completes all procedures expected in the scheduled time without loss of work quality.
• Notifies management regarding trends, changes, or problems as they occur.
• Adheres to SOP’s, work area instructions, and policies related to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and FDA guidances and compliance requirements.
• Follows the College of American Pathologist (CAP) requirements for performing proficiency testing and reporting results.
• Participates in training/teaching as requested.

Other Functions

• Attends meetings and participates on committees as requested.
• Possesses high standards for organization and quality.
• Assists with departmental projects as assigned by management.
• Reviews current literature and attends training sessions to keep informed of new developments in the field.
• Checks email on a regular basis, no less than daily or as directed by management.
• Conducts business in a manner that puts the lives of our patients and the relationships with our clients as the highest priority.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications

• HT or HTL certification from the ASCP or equivalent work experience.
• BS, BA, or AS in a laboratory science curriculum or High School Diploma/GED with equivalent work experience.
• Meet CLIA ’88 qualifications to perform moderate and high complexity testing/gross examination as described in Sec. 493.1489 and Sec. 493.1423
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in Histology and/or IHC.
• State licensure where required.
• Expertise in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and assay development.
• Demonstrated knowledge in molecular pathology and spatial biology, with the ability to independently manage complex tasks and provide innovative solutions in a laboratory setting