Senior Histology Technician - Surgical Pathology (Days)
JOB SUMMARY
To provide supervision and assistance in the technical duties of the histology laboratory with strong emphasis on those techniques requiring specialized skills and instruction of students in the science of histologic technique including tissue structure.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Assists with processing of specimens, data entry, and documentation of quality control.
- Performs manual techniques and operates instruments in accordance with protocols and instrument guidelines, e.g. embedding and microtomy (both paraffin and frozen sections involving use of automatic tissue processors, balances, pH meters, etc.)
- Selects, performs, and monitors staining procedures required for specific diagnosis, e.g., evaluation of adequacy of reagents and stains, selection and utilization of control materials, monitoring of stained preparations, etc.
- Mounts coverslips on slides and labels as appropriate.
- Operates and monitors laboratory equipment in accordance with equipment manuals and laboratory policies.
- Keeps work area physically clean, organized and free of safety hazards; properly disposes of all biohazardous materials and chemically hazardous materials; maintains adequate inventory to complete work, and orders supplies as needed.
- Prepares solutions and reagents in accordance with standard procedures.
- Adheres to internal controls established for department.
- Adheres to all safety protocols in each laboratory area. Assists in operation and management of the laboratory. Assists Anatomic Pathology Leadership with setting work priorities and advises Histology Technicians and Clinical Laboratory Assistants as to appropriate procedures and techniques. Is responsible for assisting supervisor with maintaining the laboratory under the guidelines of accrediting agencies. Assist with developing, validating and writing procedures as needed.
- Performs frozen sections, oversees and participates in the daily preparation of paraffin sections for staining of patient tissue relating to special stains and immunohistochemical stains in work area,
- Responsible for preparing dilutions, calculations, and percentages for staining preparations.
- Maintains adequate inventory to complete work and orders supplies as needed per established policies.
- May serve as a bench instructor for histology training program and new staff members, establishing competency of employees.
- Participates in process improvement activities. May attend system Quality Council meetings as requested or required.
- Provides guidance and advice to the technical staff on procedures and troubleshooting and takes appropriate action on maintaining quality.
- Assists with processing of specimens, data entry, and documentation of quality control.
- Performs the more advanced and specialized histology techniques and troubleshooting as needed
- Will assist supervisor with developing, validating and writing procedures as needed.
- Trains new personnel and students in histology laboratory procedures.
- Adheres to internal controls established for department.
- Performs related duties as required.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Minimum Qualifications:
Associates degree or equivalent and 5 years of histology experience.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS
Required:
Certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) in Histology (HT) and Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC).
Preferred:
Certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a Histotechnologist (HTL)
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Assist the individual in successfully performing the role
- Strong organizational skills to facilitate managing several projects at one time.
- Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills with ability to provide multiple options for problem resolution.
- Competent use of personal computers and general office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook
- Broad knowledge of Lab Services principles and practices.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements per the accredited body of the College of American Pathologists.
- Ability to handle and safeguard confidential and sensitive information.
- Effective problem-solving skills.
Equal Employment Opportunity
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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