Mohs Histology Technician

Job Summary

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

Duties and Responsibilities – Mohs Lab:

• Performs a variety of specialized histopathological procedures.
• Embedding: Orient specimen correctly on embedding device (glass slide, CryoEmbedder, Freeze bar/well, heat extractor, etc.). Freeze specimen to device ensuring that the epidermis / base of specimen is properly placed to ensure a complete representative section. Adhere to prepared object holder disc.
• Microtomy (Cutting): Operate a microtome within cryostat with correct settings, alignments and knife angles to insure optimum cutting / sectioning of specimen. Verify block orientation for proper facing of specimen. Adequately trim specimen(s) block to correct level of completeness to provide a true first margin of the specimen (trimming excessively may generate false positive). Ability to determine and produce acceptable quality representative specimen sections. Accurately places a series of sections on a microscopic slide (labeled with patient name / accession # /piece / stage). Correctly labels and stores cut specimen blocks within the cryostat chamber to ensure accurate tissue identification.
• Routine Staining Procedures: Selects appropriate stains and chemicals to perform H&E or T-Blue staining procedures. Prepares and maintains stains and other solutions required in staining. Demonstrate the ability to determine acceptable and unacceptable staining. Identify and correct problem areas that result in inadequate staining.
• Immunohistochemical Techniques (if applicable): Identifies the proper control for Immunohistochemistry to be used for specific antibodies. Determines appropriate antigen retrieval procedure for each antibody.
• Mounting Procedure: Sides are cover-slipped using a xylene or xylene substitute compatible mounting medium.
• 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. Investigates and resolves complaints or refers unusual problems to superior. Adhere to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions.
• Chemical Hygiene/Biohazard Procedures: Demonstrate proper handling of chemicals and biohazard materials. Adheres to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions, including waste and sharps disposal. Maintains knowledge of OSHA regulations and use of universal precautions as appropriate.
• General: Participate in department or unit Quality Improvement activities. Assist in general housekeeping duties for Mohs Laboratory. Maintain Mohs laboratory logbook (accession number / date / patient / tumor location / physician).
• 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.
• Label and file slides appropriately in numerical order.
• Maintains routine maintenance logbook information (temperature/humidity, reagents, cryostat, microscope, stainer, etc.).
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities while supporting a culture of high quality and great customer service.
• Performs other duties as assigned in the best interest of the organization.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum one-year laboratory experience preferred.
• Associate's Degree required
  • credit hour specific requirements
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Biology preferred
• Certified Histological Technician or Technologist - HT or HTL (ASCP), preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements:

• Thorough knowledge of medical terminology, preferred
• Detail oriented, professional attitude, reliable
• Management and organizational skills to support the leadership of this function
• Ability to follow or provide verbal & written instructions with sufficient grammar and spelling skills to avoid mistakes or misinterpretations
• Interpersonal skills to support customer service, functional, and teammate support needs
  • Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Mathematical and/or analytical ability for basic to intermediate problem solving
• Basic to intermediate computer operation
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Specialty knowledge of systems relating to job function
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations for this position; general understanding of HIPAA guidelines

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.