Histotechnician - HT

General Summary of Position
This is a histotechnician position in the clinical laboratory with responsibility for performing multiple complex procedures in the histology section. The individual works independently under the general supervision of a pathologist and the laboratory administrative director, with responsibility for performing both routine and specialized histology procedures.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Technical and Problem Solving

• Prepares all specimens and samples for analysis by the pathologist.
• Retrieves surgical specimens from the operating room daily, ensuring proper specimen identification and fixation.
• Evaluates specimens for suitability for processing and resolves issues related to specimen collection.
• Maintains quality control records and processes.
• Ensures all procedures adhere to CLIA, CAP, and OSHA regulations.
• Monitors the frozen section area daily to ensure proper cryostat function, temperature, and supply levels.
• Performs daily and scheduled maintenance and function checks on instruments/equipment and documents all actions performed.
• Recognizes instrument malfunctions, halts operation immediately, and attempts to resolve issues using the operator’s manual or technical support resources.

Professional Development

• Maintains current knowledge, certification, and licensure.
• Identifies personal learning needs and initiates actions to address them.
• Attends hospital-sponsored training programs as required.
• Completes all mandatory requirements (e.g., licensure, PPD, competencies, age-specific training) within established timeframes.

Organizational Knowledge

• Works effectively within and across departments.
• Maintains awareness of changes in procedures and protocols.
• Attends department meetings or reviews and acknowledges meeting minutes within the specified timeframe when absent.
• Provides the department/unit with information and knowledge gained through participation in interdepartmental teams and committees.

Department/Unit-Specific Functions and Duties

• Maintains histology and cytology procedure manuals, ensuring annual review and approval by a pathologist.
• Assists in instructing laboratory personnel in theory, technical skills, safety protocols, and application of laboratory test procedures.
• Sets up and assists with the daily gross examination of surgical specimens.
• Processes, embeds, and cuts tissue specimens accurately and in a timely manner, minimizing artifacts.
• Demonstrates proficiency in histology equipment operation and troubleshooting.
• Performs routine, special, and immunohistochemistry staining as requested.
• Documents and records corrective actions taken.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies in histology and cytology sections to prevent shortages.
• Properly stores and disposes of flammable and hazardous materials.
• Cleans and disinfects work areas promptly upon completion of tasks.
• Completes annual departmental competencies within required timeframes.
• Assists with performance improvement initiatives as needed.
• Accessions specimens using the histology computer labeling system to support grossing by pathologists.
• Maintains slides, blocks, and tissue files in proper numerical order and retention per policy.
• Adheres to all safety protocols, including standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, and infection control policies.
• Demonstrates professionalism and a constructive approach in interactions with staff, supervisors, and managers.
• Participates in interdepartmental teams and committees, sharing relevant unit knowledge as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree in Histotechnology or Histology required; or
• Completion of a histology program offered by the armed forces or a vocational school required.

Experience

• 1–2 years of clinical laboratory experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• HT (Histotechnician) or HTL (Histotechnologist) certification from ASCP required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Moderate computer skills, including data entry and specimen verification.
• Experience with computerized laboratory information systems.
• Knowledge of HIPAA policies related to patient confidentiality.
• Knowledge of grossing, cutting, and sectioning of specimens.