Histology Technician

Job Description

Job Summary:

• A laboratory professional responsible for performance of all levels of routine testing within the histology laboratory.
• Provides a high level of technical knowledge and application of that knowledge to department testing and clinical relevance.
• Consistently functions in a self-directed manner and exhibits complex problem solving skills.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follows laboratory, hospital, and regulatory agency policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Performs testing with a high level of competency according to established protocols.
• Generates materials which are used for making accurate diagnoses and prognoses which influence patient care and management.
• Performs job duties in an efficient and organized manner within required time frame.
• Actively seeks to promote and help maintain (through interactions with all others within and outside the department) a positive, team oriented and service conscious environment which contributes to the goals of the department and reflects the mission and values of the system.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency of laboratory computer systems.
• Responsible for accurate and timely communication and documentation or critical issues.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills and exercises independent judgment to correlate and interpret data.
• Complies and reviews LIS reports to ensure all samples are collected, processed, and tested in appropriate time frames.
• Assists with resolution of unusual test orders by following up with care giver, reference lab, pathology, referring to lab leadership when appropriate.
• Actively participates in new associate and student training and orientation.
• Responds to customer inquiries for laboratory results, status of patient testing, test requirements, and other laboratory information.
• Consistently monitors Client email account and provides timely response or action when appropriate.
• Maintains communication, teamwork, and cooperation. Handles and resolves customer complaints in a timely manner, referring when appropriate.
• Assumes and demonstrates management responsibilities in the absence of on-site leadership.
• Responsible for operation, maintenance, troubleshooting or instruments/equipment and appropriate documentation of activities.
• Completes required QC and maintenance, consistently recognizing variances and documenting appropriate corrective action.
• Participates in detecting and documenting occurrences that deviate from defined procedures.
• Acknowledges receipt of specimens in laboratory information system.
• Receives specimens, assesses priority, assures appropriate specimen identification and appropriate specimen type.
• May include ordering and processing of hospital registered and outreach patients.
• Distributes specimens to appropriate testing area.
• Prepares specimens for off-site testing, to include assessing appropriate type, container, and temperature.
• Completes related paperwork and/or computer documentation.
• Packages specimens for courier transport to off-site testing locations.
• Participates in detecting and documenting occurrences that deviate from defined procedures.
• Acts as a steward of finances through appropriate uses of supplies, materials and productive activities.
• Adheres to assigned schedule while responding to work load demands and staffing needs by maintaining flexibility.
• Recognizes and provides input for opportunities to improve productivity, lab workflow, supply management and cost containment.
• May be assigned lead responsibilities in various areas.

Education, Experience and Certifications/ License:

• HS/GED is required.
• Previous professional experience, preferred.
• HT, HTL with ASCP certification.

Float Requirements:

• Floating may be required to any Client location within sixty (60) miles of the original assignment location or Client-identified “float zone”.
• Float assignments may include duties outside of original assignment job requirements (including skill set) in accordance with Client policy.