Major Responsibilities for Histotechnicians:

• Accurate identification and processing of specimens from surgery, other departments and off-site physician offices.
   
• Reviews requisition orders, checks for specimen integrity and assigns accession number using LIS.
   
• Labels tissue cassettes with accession numbers.
   
• Provision of technical expertise and knowledge in preparing the highest quality tissue sections and microscopic slides for accurate diagnosis by the pathologists.
   
• Provision of technical assistance to pathologists and surgeons with frozen tissue sections for rapid diagnosis during operating room consultation while patient is still under anesthesia.
   
• Utilizes cryostat and manual staining sequences to assure turn-around-time of 15 minutes
   
• Performance of decalcification of bone and bone marrow biopsies to ensure the integrity of the tissue specimens
   
• Performance of differential and diagnostic enzyme histochemical and immunoperoxidase stains for surgical, cytology and hematology specimens for CHMC and other Advocate facilities.
   
• Proper assignment of charges per CPT code for all specimens and stains performed
   
• Active participation and monitoring of integrity of daily quality assurance programs and specimen records as defined by CAP and Accrediting Organization.
   
• Performance of preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal operational integrity
   
• Systematic maintenance of stained slides and paraffin blocks for easy retrieval and reference
   
• Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participates as requested in safety initiatives.

Education/Experience Required for Histotechnicians :

• Associate degree and 2 years’ full-time experience in accredited histopathology laboratory or 4 years’ full-time experience in accredited histopathology laboratory
   
• Working knowledge of special stains and immunoperoxidase stains.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required for Histotechnicians:

• Proficient use of microtome, cryostat, tissue processor, knife sharpener, analytical balance, pH meter, vacuum oven, and ability to produce quality cryo, paraffin, histochemical and immunoperoxidase diagnostic slides. • Knowledge of HIS computer system.
   
• HT (ASCP) or equivalent, preferred

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions for Histotechnicians :

• Works with sharp instruments and hazardous materials
   
• Must not be allergic to formaldehyde, Xylene, alcohol, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, disinfectant vapors; and unpleasant odors from human organs
   
• Handles and is exposed to potentially toxic reagents and formaldehyde, Xylene, alcohol, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide and disinfectant vapors
   
• Handles highly infectious and unpleasant human tissue specimens
   
• Works with formalin and picric acid fixatives
   
• Uses extremely sharp microtome blades and surgical instruments

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.