Description

Job Title: Histotechnologist/Histotechnician

Reports To: Lab Administrator/Practice Administrator/Pathologist

Department : Histology

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Created: April 1, 2022

HIPAA Patient Information Access Level : High

Summary: Prepares histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by Pathologist by performing the following duties.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Accessioning and grossing of specimens.
• Prepares sections of human tissue for examination. Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study by Pathologist. Appropriately stains slides.
• Stains and labels specimens.
• Performs special stains and immunohistochemistry procedures.
• Responsible for preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and laboratory computers.
• Keeps accurate records including but not limited to: equipment preventative maintenance and repair, QA and QC records, temperature and equipment charts, safety procedures, training, exposure and waste management.
• Prepares slides of specimens to enhance visibility under microscope. Examines slides under microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements. Studies slides under microscope to detect deviations from expected results and reports abnormalities for further study.
• Assumes responsibility for keeping work area clean, neat and organized. Completes thorough cleaning at the end of work period.
• Prepares chemicals and stains for performing tests. Uses all chemicals following safety procedures. Maintains accurate and adequate inventory of reagents and supplies. Tracks utilization and expiration dates.
• Understands and follows all laboratory accreditation standards, OSHA, EPA and CLIA standards. Maintains educational credits and other requirements for licensure.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Competency:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Quality and Quantity

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; monitors own work to ensure quality, demonstrates attention to detail; improves processes
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity
• Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively
• Cost Effective - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; conserves organizational resources
• Time Management - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; uses time efficiently; makes timely decisions; prioritizes and plans work activities.

Judgment

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, works well in group problem solving situations
• Process Improvement - Uses intuition and experience to complement data, designs work flows and procedures to improve outcomes, generates creative solutions to laboratory problems
• Project Management - develops workable implementation plans for new laboratory sites or new testing capabilities; coordinates projects, communicates changes and progress.
• Customer Service - Responds promptly to pathologist and client needs; solicits feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance.

Policies and Procedures

• Maintains confidentiality; follows policies and procedures
• Safety - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment; treats people with respect; works with integrity and ethically

Personal Growth and Development

• Team Contribution - Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things, listens and gets clarification, participates in meetings; gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to building a positive team spirit, recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others..
• Change - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing and frequent demands, able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color discrimination and ability to adjust focus.

Requirements

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able 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/Experience:

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. See CLIA Regulations, 42CFR493, 1489 and 1491.

Certificates and Licenses:

H.T. or H.T.L. (ASCP) required

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.