Position Summary:
The Histotechnician - I is responsible for preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination by performing grossing, embedding, sectioning, and staining procedures. This role requires meticulous attention to quality and accuracy to ensure diagnostic reliability and compliance with laboratory protocols.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation:
Essential Responsibilities
- Specimen Preparation
- Process tissue specimens using standard histology techniques, including grossing, embedding, microtomy, and staining (H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemistry) according to established laboratory protocols and quality standards.
- Ensure proper specimen identification, labeling, and documentation throughout all stages of preparation.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Follow all laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to maintain accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
- Participate in QC documentation, proficiency testing, and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Operate, clean, and maintain histology instruments and equipment, ensuring they remain in proper working condition.
- Monitor performance, troubleshoot basic issues, and promptly report malfunctions or quality concerns to management.
- Workflow & Process Improvement
- Identify, communicate, and assist in resolving technical or workflow challenges to support an efficient and productive laboratory environment.
- Contribute ideas for improving turnaround times, reducing errors, and optimizing processes.
- Chemical & Biosafety
- Handle and dispose of chemicals, reagents, and hazardous materials in accordance with regulatory and safety requirements.
- Follow all biosafety, OSHA, CLIA and local state standards.
- Operational Support
- Assist with additional laboratory tasks, including slide organization, inventory management, documentation, administrative and general workflow support.
- Collaborate with colleagues and support cross-training efforts as needed.
- Professional Conduct & Confidentiality
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient information, laboratory data, and proprietary systems in accordance with HIPAA and company policies.
- Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and effective communication with laboratory staff and providers.
- Attendance & Reliability
- Maintain consistent, reliable attendance and punctuality to support laboratory workflow and turnaround time requirements.
- Additional Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support laboratory operations.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemical or biological science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution.
- Alternatively, completion of 60 semester hours (or equivalent), including:
- 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, or
- 24 semester hours in science including at least 6 hours in chemistry, 6 hours in biology, and 12 additional hours in chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology.
- Minimum of one year of experience in an anatomic pathology laboratory preferred.
- Proficiency with basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Comprehensive training will be provided to support success in this role.
This role requires a proactive, dependable, and detail-oriented individual with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic healthcare environment. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to patient care and operational excellence.
Physical and Mental Demands:
The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities:
- Physical Requirements:
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
- Use hands to handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally required to climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, or crawl.
- Occasionally lift, push, pull, or move up to 20 pounds.
- Vision Requirements:
- Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Note:
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role. Additional responsibilities may be assigned, or duties modified by the department supervisor based on operational needs.
