HISTOTECHNICIAN
2 months ago
Cleveland
Job Description Position Summary: The Histotechnician (HT) is responsible for receiving, processing, and preparing patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by a pathologist. This role ensures the integrity of specimens throughout all stages of preparation, adhering to laboratory protocols and quality standards. Essential Responsibilities: • Exercises independent judgment in addressing procedural and technical issues., • Examine slides and blocks to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory standards., • Properly use, store, and dispose of chemicals, adhering to safety protocols:, • Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times., • Label secondary containers with appropriate signage; never use unlabeled containers., • Dispose of chemicals in accordance with established guidelines., • Provide efficient, cost-effective, and timely turnaround for clients., • To maintain the highest standards of accuracy and patient safety, our laboratory implements a rigorous verification process at every stage of specimen handling. It is critical that the integrity of all patients’ specimens must be preserved as the specimen is processed through all areas of pathology:, • Requisition and Container Match: Confirm that the specimen container accurately corresponds to the patient's requisition form., • Container and Cassette Match: Ensure that the tissue cassette is correctly labeled and matches the specimen container., • Cassette and Slide Match: Verify that the slide prepared for microscopic examination corresponds precisely to the tissue block from which it was sectioned., • Each verification step is performed meticulously before proceeding to the next phase of processing. This systematic approach is designed to prevent errors, uphold specimen integrity, and ensure reliable diagnostic outcomes., • Accession specimens using the Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring all identifiers (containers, requisitions, part types) match prior to accessioning., • Employ proper grossing techniques when dissecting specimens:, • Confirm matching of containers, requisitions, and cassettes., • Process only one specimen at a time., • Ink and section specimens appropriately., • Clean area and equipment to prevent cross-contamination., • Properly embeds tissue., • Maintain high slide quality standards, • Daily cleans and maintains laboratory equipment., • Completes and maintains preventative maintenance and troubleshooting records., • Notify supervisor of equipment maintenance needs., • Assist pathologists and other laboratory personnel as needed., • Stay current with changes in laboratory procedures., • Operate, clean, and sanitize laboratory glassware, instruments, and workstations., • Performs special stains using approved protocols and controls., • Prepares reagents, solutions, and stains., • Practice good chemical hygiene habits., • Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining procedures, including the selection of appropriate positive and negative controls, optimization of staining protocols, and interpretation of staining results, to assist in the diagnosis of various pathological conditions., • Ensure the use of validated antibodies and participate in the validation process for new antibodies and new control blocks, • Adheres to established guidelines and protocols., • File, retrieve, and distribute blocks, slides, and pathology reports., • Answer phones professionally and assist with inquiries., • Alert supervisor when supply inventory is low., • Maintain strict confidentiality of patient information., • Comply with all state, federal, and professional regulations, as well as company and departmental policies and procedures:, • Adherence to CAP, CLIA, State Regulations, HIPAA, Safety and OSHA Regulations., • Perform other duties as assigned. Guest Service Standards: • Maintain a pleasant demeanor with patients and coworkers., • Attempt to resolve or assist with technical issues., • Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration. Education/ Licensure/ Certification: • Completion of a NAACLS accredited histotechnology program or Associate degree plus one year full time experience in histopathology within the last three years under the supervision of a pathologist., • ASCP certification as a Histotechnician (HT) is required. About Us.......Who We Are We are Apex Skin. Our goal is to provide the highest quality dermatology and dermatologic surgery care to patients in Northeast Ohio in a prompt and compassionate manner. A strong commitment to delivering an exceptional patient experience, prompt access to care, including same day appointments, and service and education to the community are our core values. What We Offer Apex Skin offers a comprehensive benefits plan that includes a Monday thru Friday schedule, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Holidays off, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability and 401(k), Discounts on Derm services, Travel and leisure discounts, sporting event, concert and special event discounts, discounted movie tickets and more! Apex Skin provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Apex complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.