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Job Summary:   Preparation of laboratory specimens for microscopic evaluation by the pathologist using microtomy, special staining, immunohistochemistry and other appropriate techniques.

Education:

• HT (ASCP) or eligible or equivalent registration.

OR

• Completed a technician training program or training on the job in a hospital setting with two years’ experience. This route to be evaluated and approved by Laboratory Medical and Administrative Directors.

Requirements: (Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.)

• Light lifting to 25 pounds, general motion including bending, squatting, reaching, carrying, pushing and pulling.
• Manual dexterity.
• Ability to speak plainly.
• Near visual acuity, ability to discern colors.
• May involve skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material.

After successful completion of the competency checklist, the employee may perform all highly complex, moderately complex and waived testing in the section without supervision.  Patient results are not reported.   

1. Prepares specimen using the appropriate technique required to produce an acceptable sample for evaluation by the pathologist.
   1. Embeds tissue with correct and proper tissue identification.
   2. Embeds tissue appropriately for sample being tested.
   3. Cuts tissue to appropriate level and size for diagnostic purposes.
   4. Reprocesses tissue if required. Ensures that appropriate protocol is followed.
   5. Uses appropriate stain required for sample being tested.
   6. Performs special stains according to established standards.
   7. Follows established procedures for histology quality control, CAP, JCAHO, other regulatory agencies and reports discrepancies to the Histology Technical Specialist.
2. Performs quality control procedures according to established protocol.
3. Visually reviews representative samples and documents.
4. Appropriately notifies Histology Technical Specialist of discrepant QC results.
5. Performs scheduled and as needed maintenance on equipment routinely used in specimen preparation.
   1. Consistently performs and documents maintenance on equipment.
   2. Documents all maintenance as performed.
   3. Notifies Histology Technical Specialist of problems that occur.
6. Troubleshoots equipment, reagents, or procedural technique when problems occur. Notifies the Histology Technical Specialist if unable to solve the problem.
   1. Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures, equipment, and reagents.
   2. Attempts to investigate and evaluate problem.
   3. Immediately notifies Histology Technical Specialist when unable to solve problems.
   4. Complies with established laboratory and hospital policies for universal precautions and safety procedures. (When handling blood and/or body fluids, universal precaution procedures will be followed in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases. Safety policies and procedures will be followed when using chemicals.)
7. Wears lab coats, gloves, and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
8. Follows safety policies for dress.
9. Follows safety policies when using chemicals.
10. Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate Histology Technical Specialist.
11. Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
12. Disinfects and clean work benches/areas according to established protocol.
13. Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
14. Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety and specific job related hazards.
    1. Operates assigned equipment and performs all procedures in a safe manner as instructed.
    2. Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards.
    3. Demonstrates proper body mechanics in all functions.
15. Follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens.
    1. Demonstrates knowledge of techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment.
    2. Ensures a safe environment by complying with established procedures.
    3. Attends education programs.
16. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment.
    1. Interacts in a considerate, helpful, and courteous manner, as observed by the Histology Technical Specialist and peers.
    2. Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner.
    3. Maintains professional composure and confidence during stressful situations.
    4. Maintains open communication using appropriate chain of command regarding issues.
    5. Conducts all work activities with respect for the rights and wishes of patients, visitors, families and fellow employees.
    6. Maintains hospital and patient information confidentiality at all times, as observed by peers and management.
    7. Presents neat appearance in proper attire and identification, as required by the position, department and policy.
    8. Continuously displays a “can do” attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place.
    9. Will answer any ringing telephone within three rings.
17. Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra-departmentally to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
    1. Participates in staff meetings as determined by the Histology Technical Specialist.
    2. Supports the hospital's mission, policies and procedures through attendance and participation at committee meetings, if applicable.
    3. Utilizes automated system to communicate inter- and intra-departmentally, as appropriate.
    4. Will access and respond to e-mail messages in a timely fashion.
    5. Utilization of computer functions: accesses correct patient encounter when ordering tests, enters demographic information accurately and orders appropriate procedures correctly.
    6. Ensures proper handling and storage of case log information.
    7. Completes work assignments on time/readily accepts assignments.
    8. Reports to work on time as scheduled, as observed by the Histology Technical Specialist.
18. Assists with the orientation of new histology lab employees.
19. When appropriate, shows new lab employees the established procedure for performing prescribed duties.
20. Maintains work area—cleans bench, restocks supplies notifies Histology Technical Specialist of low stock.
    1. Follows cleaning schedule of work area.
    2. Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed.
    3. Ensures that supplies are sufficient for on going testing. Notifies Histology Technical Specialist if not.
    4. Performs work of equal skill and responsibility as directed. May also perform work of a higher level or may be requested to do work of lesser responsibility when the workload of the department so requires.