Histopathology Technologist
Children's National Hospital
Summary
The Histopathology Technologist will be responsible to process, embed, cut and stain surgical and autopsy tissue blocks in accordance with established procedures and policies.
Job description
About the Role
The Histopathology Technologist will be responsible to process, embed, cut and stain surgical and autopsy tissue blocks in accordance with established procedures and policies.
Functional Accountabilities
Immuno-Histochemistry (IHC) and Enzyme Histochemistry: Perform IHC assays include IF, validations, QA/QC, surveys, equipment PM, R&D and duties as assigned and trained. Perform enzyme histochemistry as trained.
Technical Performance: Accession, fix, embed, cut, stain and mount tissue sections from surgical/diagnostic cases and autopsies. Prepare reagent, verify correct instrument operation, standardize, perform and check results for variety of complex tests. Perform histology procedures to include preparing tissue specimens for gross examination and prosection by the pathologist or appropriate resident physician; responsible to prosect certain tissue specimens specified within departmental guidelines under the indirect supervision of a pathologist, maintain identify of specimen throughout the entire process. Prepare and maintain stains and solutions as required and to process tissue through the steps of fixation, dehydration, cutting of paraffin blocks and staining, cover slipping and labeling of slides. Assist residents/pathologists in fresh/frozen section area, include cryostat tissue cutting and quick staining of slide preparation.
Instrument and Equipment Maintenance: Operate instruments and equipment as required; conduct performance checks, calibrations, preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting of problems or malfunctions; make adjustments or minor repairs with aid of instrument manuals or technical assistance by telephone. Knowledge of the operation, calibration, cleaning, and preventive maintenance of instrumentation and equipment within the branch where assigned. Identify, evaluate and resolve technical and patient-related problems; document and report to appropriate personnel and supervisor.
Quality Control: Prepare special staining solutions; maintain control sections; identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies and problems; document action taken; maintain various logs as assigned. Identify unusual outcomes or discrepancies/conditions which cause erroneous reports (instrument malfunctions, inappropriate specimens, etc.); take appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems; notify the supervisor when no guidelines are available for specific occurrences. Responsible for admission and discharges to the morgue, maintain accurate census and insure identity of patient throughout the entire process. Responsible to prepare and maintain reagents utilized in these stains; prepare representative tissue sections used for quality control to monitor the effectiveness of the special stains. Help determine reactivity and variability of individual tissue sections, how each is expected to react to stains being performed, discern discrepant results and report to the Supervisor to discuss possible modification in procedure. Perform slide and block filing and retrieval procedures as required.
Support: Assist supervisor to monitor supply inventory, receive and stock supplies. Document and maintain records; file and retrieve slides and blocks as needed.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (Required)
- 1 year - Experience in an accredited clinical laboratory in Histopathology. (Required)
- Certification by ASCP or ASHT (Preferred)
- Statistics preferred
- Good interpersonal and communication skills important
- Knowledge and skills related to LIS desirable
- Knowledge of computer applications related to the lab information systems, COP A TH
- Knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures
- Knowledge of safety procedures and policies pertaining to the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory
- Knowledge of quality assurance/quality control, workload recording, equipment maintenance documentation records
- Knowledge of requirements of accrediting/regulatory agencies such as CAP, CLIA/CLIP, JCAHO and OSHA
- Knowledge of immunoperoxidase staining and special staining
- Knowledge of policies and procedures governing the morgue
- Knowledge of supply inventory and ordering procedures pertaining to CNMC
- Ability to communicate and interact with internal and external customers and practice consistent, high-quality customer relations
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Prescription coverage
- Infertility services
- Transgender health services
- Paid time off
- Vacation accrual from day one
- Sick leave
- Holidays
- Personal day
- 401(k) plan
- Healthcare spending accounts
- Dependent care spending accounts
- Employer-paid life insurance
- AD&D insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Optional supplemental plans
- Tuition assistance
- Fitness resources
- Employee assistance program
- Commuter benefits
Company overview
Children's National Hospital is a premier pediatric healthcare institution located in Washington, D.C., recognized as one of the top children's hospitals in the United States. Founded in 1870, it serves as the region's primary pediatric academic medical center, providing comprehensive care across all pediatric specialties. The hospital operates a 323-bed facility and offers advanced medical services including neonatal intensive care, pediatric surgery, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. As an academic medical center affiliated with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National is deeply involved in pediatric research, medical education, and clinical innovation. The institution is particularly renowned for its Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and its leadership in pediatric genomics and precision medicine. Children's National consistently ranks among the top pediatric hospitals nationally, with specialties in cancer, cardiology, neurology, and neonatology receiving particular recognition for excellence in patient care and outcomes.