Histotechnician

United Digestive; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

United Digestive in Alpharetta, GA is seeking a Histology Technician to maintain diagnostic quality of tissue specimens, process and stain slides, and operate histology equipment. This role requires ASCP HT/HTL or a science degree plus experience, with strong organization and independence under CLIA guidelines.

Responsibilities include quality assurance, data entry in the LIS, and collaboration with physicians and staff to ensure accurate, timely results across multiple shifts.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate ability to gross, embed, section, and stain tissue with quality results.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage a busy histology schedule.
• Ability to work independently and troubleshoot issues as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain diagnostic viability of specimens and ensure correct labeling.
• Cut, stain, and prepare sections for microscopic examination.
• Prepare fixatives and paraffins; maintain staining reagents.
• Operate microtomes, embedding machines, tissue processors, and printers.
• Review blocks/slides for validity and clinical relevance with supervisor approval.
• Perform quality control and proficiency testing as required.

Skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

ASCP HT/HTL or Bachelors in science

Tools

LIS system

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:Duties include, but are not limited to:Maintain diagnostic viability of all specimens received, and ensure correct labeling of all materialsGross, process, embed, and make sections of surgical tissue submitted for microscopic examinationCut and stain sections for rapid diagnosisSection paraffin blocks as per procedurePerform routine H&E staining as well as implement new and established special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) stainsExamine all slides produced using a microscope and submit only those slides which are of high qualityPrepare and maintain tissue fixatives and paraffins for tissue embedding, maintain reagents and solutions for staining of tissue sectionsMaintain and make minor adjustments and repairs to laboratory equipment such as microtomes, embedding machines, tissue processors, and slide and block printersMaintain records of tissue preparations and quality controlMaintain a neat, orderly, and safe working environment in the laboratory while adhering to all guidelinesPerform basic tracking, look-up, and billing functions of blocks and slides through the LIS systemUse information system down time procedures when appropriateReview blocks and slides, using technical and scientific knowledge to recognize and verify validity and clinical relevance; consult with supervisor prior to the release of blocks/slides if unusual or unanticipated; follow laboratory SOPs for block/slide preparation and distributionPerform establish quality assurance procedures such as quality control testing, instrument function checks, periodic maintenance, and maintain appropriate records for these proceduresParticipate, as needed, in proficiency testingFollows all CLIA Patient Safety Goals.Performs all other duties and responsibilities as directed.REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: American Society of Clinical Pathologists registered histologic technician HT (ASCP) or histotechnologist HTL (ASCP) OR Bachelors degree in science such as microbiology, chemistry, or a closely related field plus one year of clinical histology experience, OR Two years (24 months) of responsible work experience and/or on-the-job training in histologic techniques in a laboratory facility performing qualitative and quantitative exams such as trimming, processing and embedding tissues, examining histochemical and immunohistochemical slides, and/or cutting and staining tissue sections.ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:Must demonstrate the ability to gross, embed, section, and stain routine tissue with acceptable quantity and qualityKnowledge of biology, chemistry, histology, immunology, mathematics, and basic computer useMedical background, and knowledge of procedure codes, diagnosis codes, and medical records procedure preferredMust have excellent organizational skills to cope with an extremely busy work schedule associated with wide variety of techniques which must be handled accurately and expeditiouslyMust function independently in dealing with specimens and their proper handlingInteract with physicians, patients, staff, visitors, and all customers via telephone conversations and in person in a pleasant and helpful mannerAbility to stay calm while working quickly and with a high degree of accuracy to meet the demands of the daily workloadOn own initiative, ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot problems as necessaryGood interpersonal skills to interact effectively with co-workers and department staffAbility to work under general supervisionPHYSICAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:Requires sitting and standing for long periods associated with a pathology lab environment; good near-sighted vision for reading pathology diagnosis and reports; ability to work 2nd and 3rd shift hours required, travel as business needs require.