Lead Histotechnologist

Overview:
Performs all aspects of surgical pathology laboratory procedures to assist the pathologists in making a diagnosis.  Functions as the supervisor when the supervisor is absent.  Maintains responsibilities designated by the supervisor including supervision and management of certain areas of the histology laboratory. 

Qualifications:
Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry or related field required. If hired prior to January 2014, must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program by September 2014.

 

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

HT (ASCP) certification required. HTL (ASCP) certification required or obtained within 1 year of hire. If hired prior to January 2014, five years of experience working in a lead histotech capacity may be considered in lieu of HTL requirement.

 

Experience:

Three to five years of experience as a histotechnician and in depth knowledge of histologic techniques and problem solving skills required.

 

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Required to participate in an on call rotation with a 30 minute response time to the gross room.

Responsibilities:
 

Working knowledge of all areas of the MHS pathology laboratory including laboratory instrumentation, grossing and autopsy.

 

Manages the scheduling of all personnel in the department and makes arrangements for coverage in all areas during unexpected absences.

 

Assumes operational management authority for all areas of responsibility in the absence of supervisor.

 

Performs technical duties to promote effective department operations. Performs analytic and decision-making functions without direct supervision, recognizes unexpected results, and take necessary corrective action.

 

 

Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on sophisticated and often computerized laboratory equipment.

 

Calibrates laboratory instruments to assure accuracy.

 

Assists in the overall operations of the laboratory including utilization of resources and laboratory safety regulations. Assists and prepares for laboratory inspections, i.e. College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and any other regulating, accreditation body as required.

 

Assumes primary responsibility for accurate and timely completion of all testing performed within all areas of responsibility.

 

Performs computer functions such as entering specimens, retrieving surgical numbers, and charging for procedures performed.

 

Helps investigate patient identification problems and resolve discrepancies.

 

Complex troubleshooting and diagnoses of laboratory instrument malfunctions, and decides when back-up methods must be initiated.

 

Recognizes unexpected results, errors and problems with patient tests. Identifies the technical, instrumental, or physiologic cause, such as patient variable or interfering substances.

 

Evaluates, develops and researches current or new test procedures. Monitors them for unexpected problems or sources of error, reviews outcome and writes technical procedures.

 

Evaluate and calculates quality control statistics to assess accuracy, reproducibility and validity of laboratory methods.

 

Assists in the preparation and presentation of teaching materials for new employees and trainees within the Dept of Lab Med & Pathology.

 

Perform other tasks as determined by the director, administrative staff, supervisor, or other personnel in order to maintain primary departmental functions.

 

Promote positive guest relations at all times.

 

Ensure that professional and personal activities conform to Memorial Medical Center’s strategic plan, Behavioral Standards, and Great Patient Experience Program.

 

Performs other related work as required or requested.

 

 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

 

 

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