SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of a laboratory manager and in accordance with established policies and procedures, prepares specimens of human body tissue and body fluids for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist in order to provide diagnostic information on diseases from surgical and post-mortem tissue specimens. Processes and prepares specimens for routine and some non-routine procedures.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs routine and non-routine specimen preparation in accordance with established policies and procedures. Prepares specimens for microscopic evaluation and analysis by placing in tissue processor, embedding in paraffin blocks, sectioning with a rotary microtome, mounting onto glass slides and staining with the proper chemical solutions. Coverslips and labels all slides prepared. Delivers slides as instructed.
Identifies and selects techniques to most effectively process and prepare unusual or delicate specimens or to perform special staining or rush procedures, as requested by manager or Pathologist.
Assists manager in monitoring and maintaining laboratory's Quality Control standards. Performs gross and microscopic examination of prepared histologic slides checking orientation and angle of specimen, staining quality and diagnostic value prior to release for diagnostic evaluation by Pathologist. Identifies unsatisfactory slides, determines cause and takes corrective action as indicated. Obtains and evaluates control materials utilizing histologic technique and microscopic examination.
Following established policies and procedures, inputs protocols to operate tissue processor, making adjustments as necessary to meet special processing requirements. Troubleshoots, corrects malfunctions or makes arrangements for servicing as appropriate.
Evaluates effects of tissue processing system shutdown on tissue samples utilizing knowledge of time required to adequately fix varying sizes and types of tissue specimens. Determines and implements most effective and timely alternative for specimen processing accordingly.
May participate in evaluation of new products, reagents, procedures and the like as requested by manager.
May perform duties including preparing frozen sections; preparing chemical dyes and solutions; decaying bone specimens; processing bone marrow specimens; maintaining control logs and other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associates degree in Applied Science or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards.
National certification (or eligible) in Histology by ASCP or equivalent.
Knowledge of histochemistry and of the various techniques and procedures for preparing and processing tissue specimens for microscopic evaluation.
Analytical ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and quality control problems; to evaluate new procedures; to identify techniques to meet special case requirements, etc.
Ability to manipulate and mount microscopic tissues and sections onto slides and to operate rotary microme.
Ability to perform gross and microscopic examinations of histological slides for quality control purposes.
Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with Pathologists.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:
Experience in a clinical histology laboratory demonstrating familiarity with a wide range of histologic specimens and procedures normally acquired through clinical training.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Works in a laboratory environment where there is exposure to odors, infectious materials, toxins, highly flammable solvents and solutions and other hazardous substances.
Subject to cuts on hands from microtome knives.
Works with tissues and specimens capable of transmitting disease, but chances of illness occurring are minimal when established work and safety procedures are followed.
May experience visual fatigue from cutting paraffin blocks of specimens.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None

Pay Range: 

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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