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GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES
The Histotechnologist prepares gastrointestinal and endoscopy tissue for microscopic examination, following all established standard laboratory operating procedures for gross dissection, tissue processing, embedding, sectioning and staining.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and responsibilities for this position include any or all the following:
- Grossing Duties
- Adheres to all safety practices and procedures in accordance with Safety Procedure
- Wears appropriate PPE
- Performs gross dissection/description according to the written procedure on specimens received from the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) while ensuring patient identification and specimen integrity
- Ensures accurate and precise laboratory data accompanies every specimen that is accepted for processing
- Ensures that grossed specimen containers are maintained in chronologic order with “date of specimen” displayed on the holding bucket until appropriate disposal time
- Performs preliminary duties of the lab assistant for specimens when needed and delegated by Laboratory Manager:
- Retrieves specimens from the ASC – verifies the specimen identity before accepting specimens and bringing to lab
- Lines up specimens and assigns next case number
- Writes tissue cassettes
- Selects appropriate processing schedule to process specimens
- Maintains a clean and organized grossing area according to procedure
- Notifies Laboratory Manager of any issues with equipment, specimens or other issues that arise
- Histology Duties
- Maintains diagnostic viability of all specimens received from the ASC
- Ensures correct patient labeling of all received materials
- Embeds tissue specimens in paraffin
- Sections paraffin blocks using a microtome. Verifies number match of block to slide
- Performs H&E staining on slides
- Manually coverslips prepared slides
- Organizes slides for distribution to pathologist
- Performs and documents QC checks on H&E slides
- Identifies potential causes of staining issues and implements solutions
- Performs requested special stains and documents results
- Prepares material for referral laboratory send outs
- Documents daily equipment temperatures
- Maintains reagents on stainer and tissue processor
- Special assignments or projects as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Equipment Management
- Operates and troubleshoots all equipment in the laboratory
- Performs preventive maintenance for waterbaths, microtomes, embedder, tissue processor, H&E stainer, microscopes, and any additional equipment as assigned by the Pathology Manager
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- None
QUALIFICATIONS
Success in this position requires the employee to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations* may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
-
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent with at least 60 semester hours in the sciences from an accredited institution preferred; or
- HTL (ASCP) – Histotechnologist registered with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and minimum 5 years’ related experience and/or training required; or
- HT (ASCP) – Histology Technician registered with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists required
- Grandfathered to be able to perform grossing biopsies if registered before April 24, 1995
- If registered after April 24, 1995, must also have an associate degree with 5 years’ related experience and/or training; or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
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- See above
- See above
COMPETENCIES
This position requires employees to possess, demonstrate, and develop the following competencies and/or attributes:
ADAPTABILITY
- Adapts to changes in the work environment
- Manages competing demands
- Accepts criticism and feedback
- Changes approach or method to best fit the situation
RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE
- Competent in required job skills and knowledge
- Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills
- Keeps abreast of current developments
- Requires minimal supervision
- Displays understanding of how job relates to others
- Pursues continuing education
- Uses resources effectively
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION
- Prioritizes and plans work activities.
- Uses time efficiently
- Integrates changes smoothly
- Works in an organized manner
PROBLEM SOLVING
- Identifies problems in a timely manner
- Gathers and analyzes information skillfully
- Develops alternative solutions
- Resolves problems in early stages
- Works will in group problem solving situations
SELF-MANAGEMENT
- Regulates impact of own emotions upon others
- Remains focused and energized under stress
- Accepts criticism and recovers quickly from setbacks
- Projects realistic self-confidence in abilities
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Reasonable accommodations* may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
All employees are frequently required to:
- Operate various laboratory equipment
- Operate a computer
- File and retrieve written documents
While performing the duties of this position, the employee will typically be in a laboratory setting. This position’s physical demands include, but are not limited to:
- standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, handling, kneeling, crouching, and bending.
- There will be extended periods of sitting required when performing administrative tasks and while attending meetings.
- There will be extended periods of standing required when operating laboratory equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. The nature of the position may expose the Histotechnologist to moderate levels of tension when dealing with issues. The level of tension is usually low, with moderate levels of tension occurring occasionally.
COMPENSATION
Pay Grade 27
- Minimum: $27.70/hour
- Midpoint: $33.28/hour
- Maximum: $38.83/hour
EMPLOYEE EXPOSURE DETERMINATION – Category A
Per OSHA Regulations, any employee whose position classification falls into either Category A or B will be offered the Hepatitis B vaccination.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this position. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.