Position Summary:
The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods, such as immunohistochemical, histochemical, and frozen section techniques.
Key Responsibilities:
- Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing from wet tissue to slide preparation involving anatomic pathology, i.e. surgical pathology, and autopsy pathology.
- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation considering physiologic processes and requirements
- Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory.
- Performs frozen section preparations
- Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
- Performs routine and special histochemical stains as requested by the pathologist
- Operates the microtome to achieve tissue sections of the thickness required for variety of tissue types and test methods.
- Packages, appropriately records, and distributes a variety send out request in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
- Maintains an adequate stock of supplies in the various areas of the laboratory and indicates when supplies are low.
- Assists with the collection and processing of kidney biopsies.
- Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
- Operates and maintains highly complex equipment, including automated and manual rotary microtomes, tissue processors, cryostat microtomes, automated stainers, cover slippers and immunohistochemical stainers.
- Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory’s internship/continuing education program.
- Trains and performs cross coverage duties in the Immunohistochemistry laboratory including fluorescence when needed.
- Performs quality control and assurance procedures well as troubleshoot quality control problems including examining slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
- Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation.
- File blocks, slides, and residual tissue and maintains them in accordance with record retention guidelines.
- Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures.
- Performs highly complex gross tissue description and sampling on most specimen, utilizing proper dictation, dissection techniques, proper specimen orientation, and confers with on-duty pathologist regarding some larger and any unusual specimen
Required Education & Experience:
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related.
- Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient’s sample.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
- Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.