Histology Technician (Gross/Biopsy Technician) - Casual

SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking a Histology Technician to join our Unit/team. This full-time/part-time role will primarily work on-site/remote/hybrid (SHIFT).

Purpose of this position: Under direct supervision, performs histology testing of moderate to complex difficulty and/or grossing of routine, simple surgical tissue samples. Uses specialized equipment and processes following established procedures. Demonstrate patient and family centered care behaviors.

A $500 hiring incentive is available for eligible external candidates (current employees, contract/temporary workers, and former employees returning to HHS within one year are ineligible).

Current List of non-MN States where Hennepin Healthcare is an Eligible Employer: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Histology:

• Embed surgical and ME tissue, perform microtomy at various thicknesses, perform routine H&E staining, special staining, and immunohistochemical staining following established protocols

• Gross small biopsies and other specimens that can be entirely submitted, assist with frozen section preparation and photography, process requests and referrals of specimens and slides in Surgical Pathology. Assist with hospital autopsies

• Perform cryotomy of specimens for optimal demonstration of various tissue structures. Perform Immunofluorescence staining on frozen sections

• Provide microtomy services to Internal and External labs as requested

• Assists in the training and instruction of new employees, students and residents

• Perform and evaluate quality control, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting processes

• Process and manage specimens sent to reference laboratories. Ensure adequate billing charges

Electron Microscopy:

• Gross muscle and/or nerve biopsy tissues following established protocols including fresh, formalin fixed, EM fixation or nerve teasing

• Properly orient and snap freeze muscle and/or nerve tissue utilizing liquid nitrogen

• Perform cryotomy of muscle and/or nerve specimens for optimal demonstration of various tissue structures

• Perform enzyme histochemistry staining on frozen sections following established procedures

• Perform complex procedures such as teasing single strand nerve fibers for pathologist review

• Research and work up new staining protocols as directed by medical staff

• Utilize advanced knowledge of proper tissue preparation to ensure adequate quality fixation and epon-embedding for Electron microscopy

• Trim epon-embedded blocks; cut semi-thin and ultrathin sections by using an ultra-microtome. Place tissue on copper grids and stain grids using Uranyl acetate and Lead citrate staining methods

• Exhibit expertise with operation, function, and maintenance of the Transmission Electron microscope. Perform an advanced level of initial ultrastructural examination locating specific pathological features that allow for subsequent diagnosis

• Routinely perform digital imaging with morphometric measurements, image organization, distribution and storage

• Perform and evaluate quality control, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting processes

• Perform routine duties involving laboratory set up, safety, reagent preparation, and cleanup

Grossing Technician:

• Under direct supervision, performs grossing of routine, simple surgical tissue samples. These specimens include core biopsies, small biopsies (up to 1 cm), curetting's, gallbladder, appendix, fallopian tubes, vas deferens, etc

• Maintains adequate supplies, equipment, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite

• Provides administrative support in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory

• Uses specialized equipment and processes following established procedures and maintains competency and keeps up with changing techniques and requirements in Anatomic Pathology dissection

• Receive specimens and carefully check paperwork for accuracy and completeness

• Monitor specimen identification using the laboratory's specimen identification process. Resolve problems and complete documentation as required

• Ensure adequate billing charges for specimen and procedure type

• Dictates a macroscopic description for routine, uncomplicated surgical specimens including anatomic site, measurements and dimensions, weight, count, color, and any abnormal findings according to written policies and procedures

• Places tissue in a correctly identified cassette for histologic processing

• Escalates non-routine complicated specimens to Pathologists' Assistant

• Exercises judgment by preserving samples for testing

• In collaboration with the pathologist(s), obtain biological specimens for specialized analysis (flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, etc.) and upon direction of the pathologist(s) perform special procedures

• Photography of pertinent specimens

• Maintains quality control/assurance activities and records

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of a Laboratory Histology Technician training program approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
• OR-
• Experience as an Electron Microscopy Technician
• OR-
• An approved equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of experience

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to work independently and self-motivated

• Ability to work cohesively and respectfully with a diverse work force and patient population

Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities:

• Customer service skills

• Detail oriented

• Ability to read and follow written instructions

License/Certifications:

For Histology and Grossing Technician:

• Certified or eligible as a Histology Technician (ASCP) or Histology Technologist (ASCP)
• As a condition of employment, those hired as "or eligible" must take the first available examination after their date of hire and must pass one of these certifying exams within three consecutive administrations of the exam within a 12-month period