Histotechnologist I

MedStar Health
United States, D.C., Washington
Jul 30, 2025
General Summary of Position Responsible for the preparations and preservation of surgical tissue specimens and cytopathology specimens submitted to the Laboratory for gross examination, fixing, embedding, sectioning, and staining before submitted to the Pathologists for microscopic examination and diagnosis. Prepares the routine H&E and special stains necessary for the microscopic diagnosis of surgical specimens, assists in the surgical pathology grossing area and participates in the general maintenance of the histopathology lab. Working hours for this role is Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:30pm with rotating weekends. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Specimen Testing and Preparation Performs the processing of surgical specimens for testing and examination including embedding, sectioning, staining, coverslipping, and labeling. Completes processing of surgical specimens for testing and examination received in assigned laboratory section as outlined in the training and/or competency assessment documentation. Performs patient care testing on assigned specimens without supervision and/or director review for specimen processing, test performance or result reporting unless specified and documented in the competency assessment or testing procedure. Utilizes judgment and discretion in considering sample integrity, process calibration, reagent concentration and stability, quality control relationship to unknown results, evaluation of unexpected patient results and error identification. Obtains surgical specimens, prepares frozen sections, and mixes fixatives, decalcifiers and other solutions and labels cassettes. Performs routine H&E, special stains, and enzyme staining for review by the Pathologists for clinical diagnosis on surgical and cytological specimens, including STAT biopsies i.e. heart, kidney, liver. Evaluates specimen integrity and acceptability for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Accessions specimens received in the laboratory in the laboratory information system. Utilizes computer appropriately for quality control, specimen inquiry, and patient inquiry. Quality Control Performs and documents quality control according to manufacture specifications, laboratory specifications and/or regulatory specifications. Institutes corrective action and notifies supervisor of quality control problems. Reviews section SOP manual and ensures testing practices match SOP guidelines. Quality Assurance / Regulatory / Safety Completes competency assessment within 90 days of hire and annually thereafter, or as needed to meet all regulatory requirements. As needed, assists supervisor with any regulatory requests and/or inspections. Works collectively with co-workers to ensure laboratory meets and exceeds all safety requirements, including but not limited to maintaining temperature charts, equipment logs, control materials, laboratory cleanliness and transportation of hazardous wastes to the department's pick-up area. Customer Service Complies with department customer service standards (i.e. answering phone within 3 rings, identifying self to caller or customer in person, promptly attending to customer needs). Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within the lab section. Always maintains a positive image when interacting with others outside of the laboratory. Proactively provide assistance to the outside department when needed. Equipment Maintenance and Inventory Maintains equipment logs and performs routine calibration and preventative maintenance on instruments and Laboratory General Maintains files for patient specimens (blocks, slides), reports and other quality control materials as needed. Completes patient test billing as needed. Delivers surgical tissues, stained slides, and supplies as needed to/from Surgical Pathology, MDL Labs, Cytology, Morgue, and the Pathologists. Proactively reviews pending log to ensure patient care tests are not missed, resulted correctly and meet turnaround time standards. Participates in continuing education. Provides training to others as assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, Administrative Director, Laboratory Director or equivalent. Observes Joint Commission (JC) standards, Patient Safety initiatives, Patient Rights, and HIPAA Privacy standards Follows care, documentation and cleanliness standards in the performance of job duties; Completes in-services and education on a timely basis; Completes continuing education requirements for recertification as required by certifying organizations (ASCP/NCA, ABHI or local licensure). Is focused on patient safety during performance of duties and improves or makes corrections when safety issues arise; notifies department manager, as required; Interacts with other team members both on the unit and in other units in an appropriate and proactive way to benefit the patient; Observes proper elevator etiquette and courtesy: smiles and speaks to patients and visitors, does not discuss patient care and keeps voice low, gives right-of-way to patients and visitors; Keeps all patient information strictly confidential; Never discusses patient information and hospital business in public areas; and Protects patient privacy in public areas. Adheres to all JC and GUH Patient Rights standards. Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and is not to be considered as all inclusive Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree B.S. Degree, preferably in Medical Laboratory Science or a related field required Experience 1-2 years One year laboratory experience preferred Licenses and Certifications HTL - Histotechnologist - ASCP ASCP- Histotechnology preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet expectations relative to the purpose of the position and perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill education, experience and/or ability required to perform this position successfully. Considerable and current knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of clinical laboratory science. Ability to apply technical knowledge with accuracy in the completion of complex tests. Problem solving capability with the ability to assess accuracy of results This position has a hiring range of $34.98 - $62.52