Histotech II

Job Description Summary

Preparation of laboratory specimens for microscopic evaluation by the Pathologist through the use of microtomy, special staining, immunohistochemistry and other appropriate techniques.

Job Description

1. Prepares specimens using the appropriate techniques required to produce an acceptable sample for evaluation by the pathologist.
a. Embeds tissue with correct and proper tissue identification

b. Embeds tissue with proper orientation.

c. Cuts tissue to appropriate level and size for diagnostic purposes.

d. Reprocesses tissue as required. Assures that appropriate protocol is followed.

e. Always uses appropriate staining technique required for sample being tested.

f. Performs special stains according to established standard (both manually and on Ventana Special Stains module.)

g. Performs IHC staining according to established standards on Ventana Benchmark Platform

2. Follows established procedures for histology quality control and reports discrepancies to the Pathology Manager.
a. Performs quality control procedures according to established protocol.

b. Will visually review representative samples and document.

c. Appropriately notifies manager of discrepant QC results.

3. Performs daily, weekly, monthly or as needed, maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate. Performs calibration of equipment as required.
a. Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.

b. Documents performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment.

c. Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.

d. Documents calibration of equipment.

e. Notifies Manager of problems that occur.

4. Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents and patient specimens when problems occur. Notifies the Supervisor if unable to solve the problem.
a. Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures, equipment and reagents.

b. Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.

c. Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.

d. Immediately notifies Supervisor when unable to solve problems.

5. Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies for Universal Precautions, Chemical Hygiene and Safety procedures. When handling blood and/or body fluids, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be utilized in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases. Chemical Hygiene and Safety policies and procedures will be followed when using chemicals.
a. Wears Laboratory coat, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.

b. Follows safety policies for dress.

c. Follows safety policies when using chemicals.

d. Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor.

e. Uses protective barrier equipment as required.

f. Disinfects and cleans work benches/areas according to established protocol during and at the end of assigned shift.

g. Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.

h. Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.

i. Knows the location and procedures to follow in the containment of blood, body fluid and chemical spills.

6. Demonstrates competence in assigned work areas according to section schedule and skill mix.
a. Consistently acknowledges, through documentation, of changes to established testing procedures in all skilled areas.

b. Completes assigned CAP surveys with the expectations of department supervisor that results are determined to score in the acceptable performance category, in all skilled areas.

c. Completes department generated competencies as required with acceptable results in all skilled areas.

d. Actively participates in continuing education programs sponsored by Professional Organizations in one or more of the skilled areas.

7. Maintains work area — cleans bench, restocks supplies, notifies Supervisor of low stock.
a. Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed.

b. Assures that supplies are sufficient for ongoing testing. Notifies Supervisor when supplies are below established levels.

c. Regularly performs inventory of supplies and notifies appropriate Supervisor of departments need

8. Reports to workstations/assignment on schedule, ready to work and works their entire work schedule unless absence/tardiness/leaving work early is pre-approved by their manager. Any unapproved absence/tardiness/leaving work early will be considered an occurrence (as defined by Human Resources policies VII-D V7 and VIIIB V8, respectively. 0-1 occurrences in a calendar year- consistently exceeds expectations, 2-3 occurrences in a calendar year- consistently meets/sometimes exceeds expectations, 4-5 occurrences in a calendar year- consistently meets expectations, 1 corrective action in a calendar year- developmental/needs improvement, and >1 corrective action in a calendar year- consistently does not meet standards.

9. Safety - Acknowledgement, adherence and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety. The employee is knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are both in the Laboratory and Hospital.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Cont.)

I. Technology and Learning
a. Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b. Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Non-essential functions are those tasks, duties and responsibilities that are not critical to the performance of the job. Following are non-essential functions of the job, along with the corresponding performance standards.

1. Actively participates with orientation and training of new employees and students in laboratory procedures and policies.

2. Other duties as required.