Histology Grossing Technician (99825)

SECTION 1: Job Summary (Summary of the basic functions of the position)

Supports the diagnostic evaluation of tissue by histological procedures. Performs histological duties
within the guidelines established by histology laboratory (clinic or stand-alone laboratory)

SECTION 2: Duties and Responsibilities – Pathology Lab (Responsibilities necessary to accomplish job
functions)

• Performs a variety of specialized, difficult, delicate and complex chemical, histopathological or immunologic procedures in identifying specific components.
• Specimen Collection/Triage: Receives, accepts and recognizes specimens that arrive in the laboratory. Check for proper identification and fixative. Accession specimen with proper patient information.
• Tissue Processing: Implement appropriate procedures during processing. Prepares and maintains tissue processor.
• Tissue Embedding: Recognizes adequacy of processing. Determines correct mold size for the specimen.
• Maintains accurate identification of the specimen. Identifies and orients specimen correctly.
• Microtomy (Cutting): Operates a microtome with correct settings, alignments and knife angles to insure optimum sectioning.
  • Determine block orientation and facing in order to obtain a full representative section. Ability to determine acceptable sections. Selects correct procedure regarding section thickness. Select appropriate slides for specific stain. Maintains accurate tissue identification.
• Routine Staining Procedures: Selects appropriate stains and chemicals to perform H & E staining procedures. Prepares and maintains stains and other solutions required in staining. Demonstrate the ability to determine acceptable and unacceptable staining. Identifies and correct problem areas that result in inadequate staining.
• Mounting Procedure: Select correct mounting medium for each type stain.
• Special Stain Techniques: Identifies proper control and stains to be used for demonstrating specific tissue constituents and pathogens. Demonstrate the ability to determine acceptable vs. unacceptable staining.
• Identifies and corrects problems that result in inadequate or improperly stained tissue.
• Immunohistochemical Techniques: Identifies the proper control for Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence to be used for specific antibodies. Determines appropriate antigen retrieval procedure for each antibody.
• Instrumentation: Maintains/services instruments according to established protocols.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate or use instruments for intended purpose. Monitors and documents instrument performance and checks/recognizes malfunctions and identifies the need of repair.
• Reagent Preparation: Prepares reagents according to established procedures. Records quality control data for each reagent. Select proper storage and preservation for all reagents. Recognizes reagent malfunction and need to replace reagent.
• General Safety: Demonstrates correct safety practices as defined in established protocol.
• Recognizes and corrects dangerous situations related to job safety. Adhere to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions.
• Chemical Hygiene/Biohazard Procedures: Demonstrate proper handling of chemicals and biohazard materials. Maintains knowledge of OSHA regulations and use of universal precaution
• Assists in the evaluation of new procedures and equipment for possible adoption by the laboratory environment.
• Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagent, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Grossing: (This would consist of specimens received in the lab that are fixed in 10% formalin, and specimens submitted in Michel’s Fixative for Immunofluorescence processing)
• Grossing and nail processing: This would consist of specimens received in the lab that are fixed in 10% formalin, and specimens submitted in Michel’s Fixative for Immunofluorescence processing.
• Gross Exam: Maintains accurate specimen identification. Measures specimens Select the right tissue cassettes for processing and store residual tissues. Records information to be used during embedding and cutting.
• Nail Processing and Decalcification: Select appropriate specimens for decal procedure. Use of Potassium Hydroxide for nail specimen. Determine appropriate degree of decalcification.
• Prepa