Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Performs special staining and complex procedures necessary in preparing specimens of human or animal tissue for diagnoses.

Qualifications

Associate degree in a biological science or equivalency required; demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required.

American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) certification as a Histology Technician is preferred.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Identifies significant tissue elements microscopically to determine quality of staining.
2. Prepares special stains, enzyme histochemical and immunoflourescent procedures and other techniques to aid or facilitate diagnoses on tissue specimens including frozen skin sections and kidney biopsies.
3. Prepares dyes and solutions in order to perform special or complex procedures.
4. Identifies and determines tissue specimens and embeds them in desired media for an accurate diagnoses.
5. Performs microtomy to render quality sections for diagnoses.
6. Maintains lab work area by performing preventative maintenance on instruments and equipment and keeping the work area clean and orderly.

Comments

This position handles infectious tissue samples; has contact with toxic solvents and chemicals; works with sharp knives, razor blades and hot molten wax.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Often: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), exposure to animals, hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.