HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN

The Histology Technician at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. This role involves processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissue samples in accordance with established laboratory protocols. The Histology Technician ensures the accuracy and quality of histological preparations and plays a critical role in supporting the diagnostic process. Attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to work efficiently are essential for success in this role. Works under the general supervision of the Pathologist.

Essential Duties

• Tissue Processing: Prepare tissue specimens by processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining to produce high-quality slides for microscopic examination. Prepare tissue sections for immediate examination using rapid tissue processing and frozen section technique to freeze, cut, mount and stain tissue.
• Slide Preparation: Accurately prepare and label slides, maintaining detailed records for each specimen to ensure traceability and compliance with protocols.
• Quality Control: Conduct routine quality control checks on prepared slides to ensure consistency and accuracy of histological preparations, identifying and addressing any issues.
• Equipment Operation: Operate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot histology laboratory equipment, ensuring all instruments are in proper working condition.
• Specimen Handling: Receive specimens/tissues from procedures, operating rooms, diagnostic locations, and/or from autopsy. Safely handle and store tissue samples, adhering to all safety and biohazard regulations. Prepare specimens, blocks, slides, and reports for send out/shipping as needed for consultations. Participate in regular training on packaging, shipping, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all procedures in the laboratory information system (LIS), including order entry, specimen accessioning and tracking, processing steps, and any deviations from standard protocols.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention standards, and handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and chemicals.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with pathologists, other laboratory personnel, and interdepartmental team members from procedural and outpatient locations to ensure timely and accurate preparation of specimens. 
• Survey Support: Assist with inspections including, but not limited to, CAP and DNV. Follow CAP requirements and assist in maintaining CAP compliance as directed by supervisor or Pathologist.
• Learning and Development: Engage in ongoing educational opportunities related to laboratory science. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
• Inventory Management: Assist in monitoring and managing laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and reagents as needed. Prepare media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions.
• Training Support: Provide assistance and guidance to new staff or students, sharing knowledge of histological techniques and safety practices.
• Process Improvement: Participate in laboratory process improvement initiatives, contributing ideas to enhance efficiency and quality. 
• Flexibility: Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Required Experience

• Proficiency in tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining techniques
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow complex procedures accurately

Preferred Experience

• At least 1 year of experience in a histology laboratory or related field is preferred
• Basic computer skills for documentation and familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) are preferred
• Experience in a clinical or hospital laboratory setting a plus
• Knowledge of advanced staining techniques, such as immunochemistry desired
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and biohazard handling procedures preferred

Required Licensure/Education

• Histology certificate in a NAACLS accredited Histology program and/or Histology experience

Preferred Education

• HT (ASCP) certification or eligible for certification preferred Certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire
• Associates degree or greater in Histotechnology, Medical Laboratory Technology, or related field preferred

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

Chemicals: Acids, bases, formalin, alcohol, xylene, and various chemicals in stain reagents

Video Display Terminals: Average

Blood and Body Fluids: Direct patient contact with bone marrows and aspirations, setting up cytology specimens, assisting with frozen sections, FNA procedures

TB or Airborne Pathogens: Direct patient contact with bone marrows and aspirations, setting up cytology specimens, assisting with frozen sections, FNA procedures

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

Speech: Necessary for communication with coworkers, providers, clinical staff, and other customers and for answering the phone.

Vision: Necessary for all specimen preparation and processing

Smell: Electrical/Fire safety

Hearing: N/A

Touch: Necessary for operating instruments and completing procedures

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

Sit: 30%

Twist: 0%

Stand: 35%

Crawl: 0%

Walk: 16%

Kneel: 0%

Lift: 5%

Drive: 0%

Squat: 4%

Climb: 0%

Bend: 5%

Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally

Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally

Up to 35 lbs: Not Required

Up to 50 lbs: Not Required

Up to 75 lbs: Not Required

Up to 100 lbs: Not Required

Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

1-gallon reagent containers are lifted from flammable storage cabinet to shelf 5 times/day and carried 12 feet. Bone marrow tray lifted from refrigerator top and carried to patient room 1-2 times/day.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

Sit: 90

Twist: 0

Stand: 120

Crawl: 0

Walk: 10

Kneel: 0

Lift: 5

Drive: 0

Squat:5

Climb: 0

Bend: 5

Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

Simple grasp up to 10 lbs.

Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 3-50 lbs. 

Fine

Manipulation: Includes writing, typing, embedding, microtome use, routine staining and cover-slipping 3-4 hours/day.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Foot pedal used for embedding center-pressure - weight of foot for one hour. Foot pedal for faucet - pressure is minimal for one hour.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

Inside hours: 8

Outside hours: 0

Temperature: Normal Range

Lighting: Very Bright

Noise levels: Average

Humidity: Normal Range

Atmosphere: Fumes, Odors

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Explosive, Chemical. Mechanical hazards - exposure to microtome blades. Chemical hazards - stains, reagents, formalin, xylene. Blood & body fluid exposure when handling specimens and with direct patient care.

Protective Clothing Required: Closed-toe shoes, lab coat, gloves. Sometimes - Safety goggles, respirator mask, apron.