Histology Specialist, Dermatopathology

Job Summary:

The Histology Specialist 1B reports to the Laboratory Supervisor and performs technical functions required for the efficient functioning of the Dermatopathology Laboratory.

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Supervisor, performs routine lab functions to produce histologic preparations for examination by staff pathologists.

Additionally, independently performs small gross functions required for Dermatopathology Laboratory operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fixes tissues in appropriate fixatives; dehydrates with graded alcohols; clears with xylene; and impregnates with paraffin wax using an automated tissue processor.
• Embeds specimens ensuring proper orientation and produces 5 micron sections using a microtome and appropriate knives; floats sections on a water bath; collects sections on a glass slide; and dries in a slide dryer for a specified time.
• Stains slides, with routine and special stains according to approved procedures to enhance certain tissue elements required for diagnosis. The process includes placing a coverslip and labeling stained slides.
• Examines slides with a microscope to ascertain that the results are satisfactory and ensures all blocks and slides are clerically correct.
• The next step includes the assembly and collating of slides and distributing slides to staff pathologists.
• Determines when prescribed techniques and apparatus should be modified in order to meet required quality and turn around standards.
• Prepares slide send outs using COPATH and adheres to all specimen tracking policies and procedures.
• Assists with lab maintenance to include cleaning, restocking and specimen discarding. Additionally, assists with special projects, as applicable and helps prepare weekly and monthly maintenance reports.

Requirements:

• Must be able to correctly and accurately embed a wide variety of tissues while maintaining minimum national cutting standards of 50 blocks per hour, embedding standards 50 blocks per hour and able to cut artifact free 5 micron sections.
• Must be able to perform a high quality manual H&E stain and perform certain special stains i.e. (AFB, Alcian blue, Brown-Hopps, Congo red, Elastic, Iron, L/H&E, Mucicarmine, PAS, PAS-D, GMS, and Trichrome).
• Must have sound understanding of basic laboratory instrumentation to include pH meter, balances, hydrometers, microtomes, cryostats, cover slippers and tissue processors, and be able to prepare percent, molar and normal solutions and stains.
• Have the manual dexterity and motor coordination to follow established technical, safety and clerical procedures, be attentive to detail and precise in performing technical tasks, and possess fundamental knowledge of basic histo-technique to include fixation, decalcification, processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special stains and frozen sections.
• Must be able to prepare percent, molar and normal solutions and stains. Required to have sound knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and ability to read and write English. Must have a thorough understanding of standard precautions, chemical hygiene and laboratory safety. Attention to detail necessary and effective interpersonal and communication skills.

Education and Experience:

• Associate or Baccalaureate degree in science with 24 credits of science preferred (Chemistry and Biology based). Courses in Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy.
• OR
• Two years college level courses in Biology/Chemistry or related science to include 24 credits of relevant science coursework.
• Courses in Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy.
• Graduate of NCCALS approved school of Histotechnology preferred.

Work Environment:

Laboratory Environment - may be exposed to disease-bearing specimens, hazardous chemicals or fumes, other hazards normally associated with a clinical laboratory setting.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law.