Histotech for Lab

Job Type

Full-time

Description

GAP is the longest established gastroenterology practice in the Piedmont Triad area. This independent, physician-owned GI practice is looking for a Histotech for our Pathology Lab. The GAP Pathology Lab makes slides from the tissue samples retrieved from colonoscopies so that the Pathologist can review the sample for our patients.

Excellent benefits package including a no cost health insurance option, dental, vision, life, long-term and short-term insurance coverage and a robust 401k/profit sharing plan; voluntary benefits including voluntary life and medical bridge plans. Paid time off, paid holidays and a friendly environment where work/life balance is a priority. Exceptional providers and well-trained staff on board. Looking for another strong team member.

Nature of Work:

The Histotechnologist position is responsible for processing all specimens received in the Histology laboratory under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and in solving routine problems. Histotechnologists contribute to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost-effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of preparing and Histological processing of all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. The Histotechnologist receives all histology specimens and processes them using various methodologies, complex machinery, and staining systems. The Histotechnologist will then prepare the slides for Pathologist review by cutting prepared blocks of tissue utilizing complex machinery. Histotechnologists are then responsible for appropriately staining the slides whether with routine, special or immunohistochemical stains. Throughout this process the Histotechnologist is responsible for labeling, entering, and tracking the progress of the specimen until it reaches the Pathologist for diagnosis. This is extremely important in overall patient care. Inappropriate processing lost specimens or incorrectly labeled specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses which can cause repeat procedures or life-threatening treatment choices. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. The position is also responsible for the maintenance of the histology area by maintaining inventory and supplies, cleaning and organizing of workstations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures.

This Histotechnologist will participate in the management of the histology area by maintaining inventory of supplies, cleaning and organizing of work, stations, disposal of biological waste, and adherence to all compliance and operational procedures. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and in solving routine problems. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills where customer service and responsibility to patient care is the priority.

Additional duties include documentation per CAP guidelines, communication with pathologists/residents and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. This is not a supervisory position. However, this position will demonstrate communication of all problems and concerns to the Lead Histotechnologist and/or pertinent superiors. If there are no superiors present at the time, the employee shall handle the situation and immediately inform the Lead Histotechnologist upon arrival of the corrective actions taken.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Determines appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens, and priorities on requested procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment with precision for all histological protocols.
• Performs complex staining techniques and demonstrates competency with immunohistochemical procedures to include in situ hybridization reactions.
• Performs computer data entry, recall, and labeling on complex pathology network (LIS).
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all lab equipment.
• Prepares and examine solutions for contamination, impurities, or instability.
• Follows procedures on all lab tests.
• Examines microscopically all stained slides and controls to determine accuracy of the last test and make modifications to the procedures as needed.
• Retrieves and stores specimens properly for long term storage.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards, to include all check sheets and quality control information sheets.
• Maintains archived Histological slides and blocks.
• Performs all procedures in a timely manner.
• Answer laboratory phone properly and take information correctly.
• Assists in the ordering of laboratory supplies to maintain proper inventory.
• Knowledgeable of all lab procedures and specimen submission requirements.
• Understand and use proper safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma; previous experience preferred
• Applicant must be detail-oriented, organized, communicable and willing to learn

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Knowledge of specified laboratory solutions, materials and/or media.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Knowledge of cleaning procedures and specifications of specified laboratory equipment and/or facilities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) safe and proper handling of laboratory materials and specimens: b) following detailed procedures and instructions in the preparation and breakdown of laboratory equipment, facilities, and solutions; c) using prescribed sterile procedures in the cleaning of lab equipment, facilities, and supplies, d) HIPAA compliancy required, e) Follows OSHA and CLIA standards as required by law

Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

GAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer