Histotechnologist

Summary/Objective
The histotechnologist prepares and stains patient tissue specimens for analysis by the patient’s provider so that the provider can confirm a patient’s diagnosis.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 
  Prepare tissue specimens for routine and special procedures to confirm a patient’s diagnosis by processing and embedding specimens.
• Perform microtomy to produce properly cut sections on a cryostat with frozen tissue. This procedure includes placing specimens on slides and staining specimens on slides, including special stains. Perform the task of grossing and inking frozen tissue as well.
• Records and analyze data, and maintain and repair instruments used in lab.
• Perform calibration, startup, and maintenance procedures on all test systems.
• Perform quality control according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the laboratory’s guidelines. Ensure that the results are within acceptable limits prior to reporting patient results.
• Recognize unacceptable performance and proper response.
• Document all activities and results, including corrective actions.
• Participate in proficiency testing if available, running proficiency testing samples in the same manner as patient specimens and without conferring with another laboratory. Test operators must achieve at least 90% on proficiency testing.
• Process patient specimens according to manufacturer’s instructions and according to laboratory protocol.
• Recognize when slides should be rejected and how to implement corrective actions. Proficient knowledge of the documentation process and requirements, including entry into a LIS if applicable.
• Communicate with the provider and/or the Laboratory Supervisor/Manager when patient slides cannot be processed.
• Must implement corrective actions and document all pertinent information.
• Must follow directions of Laboratory Supervisor and the providers.
• Complies with office policies pertaining to OSHA, CLIA and HIPAA Federal standards.

Competencies

• Professional Conduct
• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
• Communication Proficiency
• Good Team Player
• Technical Capacity
• Attention to Detail

Supervisory Responsibility
This role has no supervisory responsibilities. Employee reports directly to the lead Histotechnologist and Clinical Supervisor.
Work Environment
This job operates in a clinical setting of a medical practice with routine exposure to those who may have contagious illnesses. This role routinely requires frequent standing while processing tissue. It also utilizes standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential
functions of this job.

• This is a largely non-sedentary role; with frequent standing and utilizing a bent-knee position to process tissue samples.
• Perform tasks using simple hand grasping, fine hand manipulation, and reach associated with operating cryostat machines and utilizing cutting tools.
• Have a sufficient ability to communicate, through sight, hearing, and/or otherwise, to perform assigned tasks and maintain proper job safety conditions.

Demonstrate cognitive ability to:

• Follow directions and routines
• Work independently with appropriate judgment
• Exhibit spatial awareness
• Read words and numbers
• Concentrate, memorize and recall
• Identify logical connections and determine the sequence of response

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This a part-time position in our Midlothian MOHS lab. Days and typical hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Travel

No travel is expected.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or equivalent
• Higher education and training as required by the certifying body plus appropriate laboratory training, usually included in the formal training

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
None required for this position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Must be authorized to work in the United States of America. Must acknowledge and agree to comply with the Practice’s policies including the drug and alcohol policies.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is representative and not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Dermatology Associates of Virginia is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.