Histology Technician jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Job Summary/Overall Objectives

Processes and prepares pathology specimens to produce quality diagnostic slides for examination by a pathologist. Competent in the performance of routine and special stains.

Essential Job Functions

• Accessions and systematically organizes specimens to safeguard specimen identification and integrity.
• Prepares for and assists in the grossing of specimens with a pathologist.
  • readies the grossing area in an organized manner to assist the pathologist and efficiently prioritize workflow
  • Supplies materials to the pathologist as needed-gloves, surgical instruments, inks, etc.
  • accurately documents specimens, blocks and slides as the pathologist grosses
  • orders blocks, levels, frozen sections, path determinations, photos, flow cytometry tracking, touch preps, special stains and special requests as needed
  • cleans the grossing station and instruments when the pathologist is finished, maintaining the area in a safe and sanitary condition
• Operates and maintains equipment in accordance with guidelines.
  • loads and starts processors at day's end, choosing the appropriate program for processing
  • operates microtomes, cryostats, staining equipment, recycler, etc., as trained, and according to guidelines
  • performs routine, preventative, and corrective maintenance, resolving problems as they occur
  • documents maintenance as performed; assists in keeping accurate records of preventative and corrective maintenance performed by outside vendors
• Embeds, cuts, and performs routine stains on tissue sections
• Demonstrates competency in performance of routine and special stain.
• Prepares slides for reading by pathologist.
  • coverslips slides using manual or automated methods
  • labels slides accurately, ensuring positive patient identification with clear notation of slide source and stain procedure
  • facilitates the distribution of slides between pathologists to provide timely progression of workflow
• Performs and completes frozen sections.
  • produces quality frozen section slides with accurate identification of patient and source
  • performs frozen section procedure and delivers slides to pathologist in a manner that allows for a 20 minute or less turnaround time
  • documents receipt and delivery of the frozen section
  • follows written protocols for cleaning, defrosting and decontamination of the cryostats, documents in the QC manual
• Participates in routine departmental tasks.
  • files slides and paraffin blocks accurately and independently
  • restocks supplies as needed
  • performs recycling when necessary
  • maintains adequate supplies of filled specimen containers
  • makes reagents, filters stains according to established protocols
  • performs supply inventory and places stock and non-stock orders as needed
• Maintains skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions
  • works with the pathology software daily for accessioning and documentation of specimens, pulling work lists, ordering slides, labels, etc.
  • uses the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA variances, etc.
  • monitors reports to track specimens and/or results as needed
• Functions in an organized and independent manner, complying with policy and procedures to cooperatively enhance department operations.
  • cognitive of the importance of clear and concise communication between pathologists, histologists, manager, and medical secretaries
  • handles requests from the pathologists in a timely manner.
  • recognizes areas for improvement in department operations, contributes to and participates in quality management processes.
  • participates in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance.
  • maintains competency in assigned areas and completes assessments in a timely and independent manner.
  • participates in continuing education programs, staff meetings, etc., as appropriate.
• Functions as cytopreparatory tech for preparation of gyne and non-gyne thin prep specimens.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• High School Diploma, GED or higher level of education.
• Completion of the educational requirements needed to take the Histotechnician (HT) exam:

• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited HT program within the last 5 years OR;
• Associate degree and at least 60 semester hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours of biology and chemistry. 

• OR Associate Degree in Histotechnology.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

• Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment
• Problem solving involving several variables in or from standardized situations.
• Apply technical principles. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.

• High level of visual acuity (with/without correction) necessary for very close inspection and attention to minute detail, very small objects and scant variations in color

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• One (1) year of clinical laboratory experience post-training is preferred.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
• Obtain HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification within fifteen (15) months of hire or transfer.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.