Job: Histotechnician II

Requisition Number 09-0597-PRN
Post Date 6/23/2009
Title Histotechnician II
City Salt Lake City
State UT

GENERAL FUNCTION:


Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Works under the direction of a Workflow Coordinator (minimum certification- HT ASCP) or anatomic pathologist. Duties include: performance of all aspects of a technical nature in the histology lab, including but not limited to, embedding, cutting, staining and coverslipping; assist in the training of Histotechnician in Training; performance and documentation of quality control and selected equipment maintenance; data handling and input; answering the telephone; minor problem solving.


REPORTING FUNCTION:


This position reports to the Group Manager, Technical and/or Technical Supervisor. This position may also receive direction and work assignments from designated individuals other than the Group Manager or Technical Supervisor.


REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:


Essential function(s) of the Histotechnician II include, but are not limited to the following:


1. Performs selected moderate, and/or highly complex analytic processes under appropriate direction. Uses routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and /or techniques for which he/she is qualified, trained and demonstrates competency according to established lab section operating procedures (SOP's).

2. Performs analytical and decision-making functions with direct supervision.

3. Recognizes and reports abnormal results. Recognizes unexpected or implausible results, errors and problems with patient tests. Refers resolution to a Workflow Coordinator, Technical supervisor, and/or pathologist.

4. Operates and ensures proper functioning of selected laboratory instruments and equipment. May calibrate selected laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy of results. Performs minor troubleshooting and routine maintenance under direction of a Workflow Coordinator or Technical Supervisor. Uses instrument 'HOTLINE' if available, in resolving instrument problems. Reports service issues to Technical Supervisor. Maintains records and documentation.

5. Performs and documents quality control. Refers QC results which fail lab criteria to Workflow Coordinator or Technical Supervisor for resolution.

6. Understands appropriate specimen collection, handling and transport procedures. Collects samples if required by laboratory section. Prepares specimens for analysis and determines acceptability of samples within guidelines. Refers specimen issues to designated Workflow Coordinator, and/or Technical Supervisor.

7. Processes data, verifies accuracy, enters and verifies data in the laboratory computer system, along with appropriate explanatory or interpretive information. Meets lab section turnaround times.


8. Performs new testing, with appropriate orientation and training, as directed by the Technical Supervisor.

9. Meets output measures as defined by individual group procedures. Assists others in areas of defined competency when assigned workload is complete.

10. Answers telephone calls in a timely and courteous manner. Provides results available in the computer as requested to physicians, nurses and laboratorians. Refers problems to Workflow Coordinator or Technical Supervisor.

11. Performs internal and external proficiency testing as directed by the Technical Supervisor.

12. Maintains clean and orderly work area. Cleans bench surfaces and equipment each shift or other contamination or spills. Documents as required.

13. Stocks and maintains reagents and supplies. Notes receipt date and lot number on reagents to ensure that oldest stock is used first. Discards outdated reagents according to section policy and notifies supervisor.

14. Refers requests for special and unusual tests to the Technical Supervisor and/or Group Manager.

15. Responds to technical questions consistent with level of training.

16. As assigned, assists in the training of new employees, technicians, and histotechnicians.

17. Participates in continuing education and staff meetings. Responsible for own professional development.

18. Remains informed of all procedures and procedure changes.

19. May assist in data collection for QA indicators.

20. Complies with safety and biohazard regulations as outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual. Failure to follow safety protocols will result in disciplinary action.

21. Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality. Maintains ethical standards in the performance of testing and in interactions with patients, co-workers and other health care professionals.

22. Maintains open and effective communication with perso

JOB QUALIFICATION:


Education/Credentials:

Meets qualifications of a Histotechnician II (HT) as outlined in ARUP Procedure: HT Certified, Employment Categorizations of Technical Personnel.


Associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry.

CERTIFICATIONS PREFERRED: HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP)

Attention to detail and ability to multi-task.



Physical and other requirements:

Fine motor coordination, clear speech, good visual acuity including color perception, occasional light lifting, mobility, ability to work overtime.


Special demands:

* Ability to organize work, to meet deadlines and to work under stressful conditions.

* Good communications skills, both oral and written.

* Absolute integrity in the accurate identification of samples, test performance and reporting of results.