Histotechnologist

Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens (Bone Marrow, blood, tissue) and prioritize work.

• Assists pathologists and residents in obtaining specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
• Assists pathologists, pathology assistants, and residents in evisceration and post mortem dissection of bodies (autopsies).
• Properly verifies patient identity.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing/processing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens/tissue before testing/processing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing/processing and procurement

Performs all work processes necessary for the production of microscopic preparations used for high complexity testing as defined by CLIA'88.

• Demonstrates working knowledge of the pathology laboratory and performs routine and specialty procedures.
• Works independently.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to written procedures.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.

Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.

• Identifies causes of problems and makes corrections using established protocols.
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.

Evaluates diagnostic preparations for quality and initiates appropriate interventions.

• Microscopically reviews slides to insure that quality diagnostic preparations are produced.
• Identifies unacceptable quality and initiates corrective action when parameters are out of compliance.
• Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
• Directly communicates abnormal results to the pathologist.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.

Complies with Laboratory Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, and Laboratory Compliance Programs.

• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, slide and control checks.
• Recognizes and communicates values that exceed the QC/QA parameters. Takes action to resolve and consults with supervisor as needed.
• Participates in the lab Performance Improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results and implementing corrective action recommendations.
• Documents compliance with regulations of governmental or voluntary regulatory agencies.
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.

Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served.