The Cryo Sectioner Technician (CST) position is an entry level position and is responsible for performing routine histology duties, cutting, processing, H&E staining, Congo Red staining and cover slipping to maintain the workflow of the Clinical Laboratory. This position's duties include but are not limited to; maintaining laboratory logs, sectioning skin tissues, performing antibody and reagent QC. Participates in a continuing education program. Attends in-service training sessions sponsored by the department. Continues personal growth by preparing for additional duties and responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities:
-
Performs frozen tissue sectioning on skin punch biopsy according to instructions daily. Maintains diagnostic viability of all specimens and ensures correct patient labeling. Routinely checks and verifies case numbers match vials and slides, prints labels as appropriate.
-
Identifies skin morphology for proper embedding orientation and documentation.
-
Prepares H&E and Congo Red slides
-
Keeps workflow moving and assists with workflow on the automated staining process of H&E and CR.
-
Records and logs appropriate information into the laboratory computer system (Salesforce).
-
Maintains laboratory equipment in proper working order, following appropriate laboratory safety protocols.
-
Prepares, cleans, maintains, and shuts down laboratory equipment & accessories used in a daily and weekly manner.
-
Follows the laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing.
- Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
-
Demonstrates capability of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and must either correct the problems or immediately notify the Laboratory General Supervisor.
-
Documents all corrective action (Issue Review and CAPA system) taken when a test system deviates from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
-
Reports all concerns of test quality and/or patient safety to Laboratory General Supervisor.
-
Troubleshoots assays and all related instrumentation. Maintains and revises as needed all related technical policies and procedures including instrument/equipment maintenance by maintaining equipment quality control and preventive maintenance.
-
Ability to adjust to constant operational changes.
-
Accepts other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
-
1 year of experience in histology or clinical/molecular laboratory preferred
-
Demonstrated skills in technical data interpretation and ability to troubleshoot.
-
Exhibited ability to take and follow directions and to identify the appropriate resources for guidance.
-
Focused and detailed oriented.
-
Understanding of the equipment used daily; including, but not limited to, mounting microscopes, Cryostat, and general data printer.
-
Adequate experience in routine histology to act as a resource for other team members preferred.
-
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.
-
Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-past, deadline driven environment.
-
Ambidextrous ? Ability to perform sectioning using both of your hands simultaneously.
-
Communication ? Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
-
Teamwork ? Commitment to the successful achievement of team and organizational goals through a desire to participate with and help other members of the team.
Education, Certifications, and Licensures:
-
BS in Science or related science preferred
Physical Demands:
-
Ability to use copiers and PDF scanners to keep inventory and ordering records. Visual acuity and analytical skill to distinguish sufficient detail.
-
Must possess the ability to sit or stand for long periods.
-
Must possess the ability to perform repetitive motion.
-
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
-
Comfortable working with hands inside a sub-zero temperature chamber
-
May have exposure to biohazardous material in the lab environment. Exposure to xylene, paraformaldehyde, and alcohol, which emit fumes. Xylene is a known carcinogen and paraformaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen.
-
Working with tissue that may contain blood-borne pathogens and use sharps. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended and offered by the employer.