Histotechnician (Anatomic Pathology)

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a meticulous and skilled Histotechnician to join our dynamic anatomic pathology laboratory. In this pivotal role, you will be the bridge between surgical specimen and pathologist diagnosis. You will meticulously prepare human tissue specimens for microscopic examination, transforming raw tissue into high-quality slides that reveal cellular detail. The ideal candidate is a dedicated professional with a strong understanding of histological techniques, a commitment to quality control, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Your work is fundamental to accurate patient diagnosis and treatment planning.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Histotechnician Trainee or Lab Assistant
Recent Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program
Biology or Life Sciences graduate with on-the-job training

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Histotechnician
Histology Supervisor / Laboratory Manager
Pathologists' Assistant (requires additional advanced degree)

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Specialist (Laboratory)
Field Application Specialist (for histology equipment/reagents)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Accurately accession and verify patient and specimen information upon receipt, ensuring complete chain of custody and matching samples to clinical requisitions.
Perform tissue processing on a variety of specimen types by operating automated tissue processors, ensuring proper dehydration, clearing, and paraffin infiltration.
Expertly embed processed tissue into paraffin blocks, correctly orienting the tissue to ensure the most diagnostically significant plane is presented for sectioning.
Perform high-quality microtomy, skillfully sectioning paraffin-embedded tissue blocks at precise thicknesses (typically 4-6 microns) and mounting them on glass slides.
Execute routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining protocols, both manually and using automated stainers, to produce slides with optimal cellular differentiation and clarity.
Perform a wide range of complex special staining procedures (e.g., PAS, Trichrome, Reticulin) to highlight specific tissue structures, organisms, or pathological changes.
Conduct immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in-situ hybridization (ISH) procedures, preparing reagents and operating automated platforms to aid in tumor classification and prognostic evaluation.
Operate and maintain a cryostat to prepare frozen tissue sections for rapid intraoperative consultations, providing critical diagnostic information to surgeons in real-time.
Perform routine and preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment, including tissue processors, microtomes, stainers, and cryostats, documenting all activities.
Troubleshoot technical issues with equipment, staining procedures, and tissue artifacts, implementing corrective actions to maintain slide quality.
Prepare, label, and document all necessary reagents, solutions, and stains according to established laboratory procedures and safety guidelines.
Adhere strictly to all laboratory safety protocols, including the handling of hazardous chemicals (e.g., formalin, xylene) and biohazardous materials.
Participate in the laboratory's quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) programs by reviewing slides for quality and documenting any deviations or errors.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of all procedures, maintenance, and quality control activities, utilizing the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
Manage inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents, anticipating needs, placing orders, and verifying receipt to ensure uninterrupted workflow.
Assist in the gross examination of small biopsy specimens under the supervision of a pathologist or pathologists' assistant.
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with regulatory standards set by CAP, CLIA, The Joint Commission, and other accrediting bodies.
File and archive paraffin blocks and glass slides in a systematic manner for easy retrieval and long-term storage.
Assist in training new employees and students, sharing knowledge of laboratory procedures and best practices.
Collaborate effectively with pathologists, lab assistants, and administrative staff to ensure efficient and accurate case workflow from accessioning to sign-out.
Maintain patient confidentiality and handle all sensitive information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Secondary Functions

Assist pathologists with special requests for recuts, deeper levels, or specific stains to aid in complex diagnoses.
Contribute to the laboratory's quality improvement initiatives by documenting, tracking, and reporting on staining quality and slide artifacts.
Aid in the validation of new laboratory tests, equipment, and protocols by performing experiments and documenting results.
Participate in continuing education opportunities and professional development activities to stay current with advancements in the field of histology.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Microtomy & Cryotomy: Proven ability to produce thin, wrinkle-free, and complete tissue sections from both paraffin-embedded blocks and frozen specimens.
Staining Expertise: In-depth knowledge of H&E staining, a wide variety of special stains, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) principles and techniques.
Tissue Processing & Embedding: Proficiency in operating automated tissue processors and skillfully orienting tissue during paraffin embedding for optimal diagnostic yield.
Laboratory Equipment Operation: Competence in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting key histology equipment like microtomes, cryostats, and automated stainers.
Quality Control: Strong understanding and practical application of quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of all prepared slides.
LIS Proficiency: Experience using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS/LIMS) for accessioning, tracking, and managing specimen data.
Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of laboratory standards and regulations, including CAP, CLIA, and OSHA safety guidelines.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on accuracy in every step, from specimen labeling to slide preparation, to prevent diagnostic errors.
Manual Dexterity: Exceptional fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination for handling delicate specimens, blades, and slides.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve common histological artifacts and equipment malfunctions.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage and prioritize a high-volume workload effectively to meet turnaround time targets.
Adaptability: Flexibility to work under pressure and adapt to changing protocols and urgent requests, such as frozen sections.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with pathologists, peers, and other healthcare professionals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent AND completion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnician (HT) program.
OR an Associate's degree with a combination of coursework (including biology and chemistry) and requisite clinical laboratory experience as defined by certifying agencies.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology (HTL) program.
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, or a related life science field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Histotechnology
Clinical Laboratory Science
Biology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of hands-on experience in a clinical, research, or veterinary histology laboratory.

Preferred:

ASCP certification as a Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) is strongly preferred and often required.
Demonstrable experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC), special stains, and frozen sections in a clinical diagnostic setting.