Prepare tissue specimens for microscopic analysis; guide and instruct Histologic Technician 1's, laboratory assistants and others.

Under general supervision, prepare tissue for microscopic analysis; assist medical staff in acquisition and examination of specimens; provide guidance to other staff.

Monitor and perform quality control of specimens; perform initial examination of prepared specimens; determine disposition of improperly handled specimens; identify problems, take corrective action, notify supervisor of action taken and monitor follow-up solutions; 

Perform all histologic procedures pertaining to preparation of microscopic slides such as processing, embedding, microtomy, staining and coverslipping; 

Perform animal fixations and tissue dissections; 

Perform special stain techniques such as silver stain; modify and adapt new procedures; prepare reagents, dyes and solutions; 

Conduct procedures for renal/cardiac pathology and muscle biopsy; 

Examine and dictate gross description of selected tissue specimens;  

Assist pathologist/resident in the gross examination of surgical specimens; interpret requests and determine appropriate techniques or procedures for various types of tissue specimens;  

Assist physician/pathologist at patient bedside for collection and preparation of biopsies and aspirates; advise physician/pathologist as to specimen adequacy;

Distribute material to appropriate laboratories; 

Instruct and orient pathology residents; provide procedural information to medical staff, physicians/pathologists, outside medical personnel and new employees;  

Identify appropriate protocol for specimen distribution to and from hospital departments and other outside sources/inquiries; 

Analyze and determine cause(s) of instrument malfunction, take corrective action and monitor follow-up; maintain quality control of instruments; evaluate new products and instruments to provide input in decision process;  

Record complete patient information either manually or by computer; maintain comprehensive records of procedures; 

Perform related duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Certified as a Histologic Technician by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) 

AND 

Completion of a Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) approved school course of study 

AND 

One year of experience in a clinical or research laboratory

OR 

Three years of experience in a clinical laboratory 

Equivalent education/experience.