Position Requirements:
Associate degree and 2 years' fulltime experience in accredited histopathology laboratory or 4 years' fulltime experience in accredited histopathology laboratory.
Working knowledge of special stains and immunoperoxidase stains.

Proficient use of microtome, cryostat, tissue processor, knife sharpener, analytical balance, pH meter, vacuum oven, and ability to produce quality cryo, paraffin, histochemical and immunoperoxidase diagnostic slides.

• Knowledge of HIS computer system.
• HT (ASCP) or equivalent.
• Eligible for HT (ASCP) exam and must obtain certification within 1 year of hire.
• Works with sharp instruments and hazardous materials.
• Must not be allergic to formaldehyde, Xylene, alcohol, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide, disinfectant vapors and unpleasant odors from human organs.
• This job requires much interaction with pathologists, weekend rotation, and on unscheduled emergency call after working hours.
• Ability to work under stressful situations.
• Handles and is exposed to potentially toxic reagents and formaldehyde, Xylene, alcohol, liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide and disinfectant vapors.
• Handles highly infectious and unpleasant human tissue specimens.
• Works with formalin and picric acid fixatives.
• Uses extremely sharp microtome blades and surgical instruments.
• Stress related to deadlines of meeting rapid diagnosis during operating room consultation when the patient is under anesthesia and the surgeon awaiting results to determine surgical course of action.

Available Hours:
full time PM shift or full time night shift

Purpose:
To provide technical expertise and knowledge to process, embed, section, and stain surgical, autopsy, cytology cell block and bone marrow specimens and prepare quality slides including frozen tissue sections and immunoperoxidase stains for critical microscopic diagnosis by pathologists.
To provide technical expertise and knowledge to process, embed, section, and stain surgical, autopsy, cytology cell block and bone marrow specimens and prepare quality slides including frozen tissue sections and immunoperoxidase stains for critical microscopic diagnosis by pathologists.
Accurate identification and processing of specimens from surgery, other departments and off~site physician offices.
Provision of technical expertise and knowledge in preparing the highest quality tissue sections and microscopic slides for accurate diagnosis by the pathologists.
Provision of technical assistance to pathologists and surgeons with frozen tissue sections for rapid diagnosis during operating room consultation while patient is still under anesthesia.
Performance of decalcification of bone and bone marrow biopsies to ensure the integrity of the tissue specimens
Performance of differential and diagnostic enzyme histochemical and immunoperoxidase stains for surgical, cytology and hematology specimens for all Illinois Advocate facilities
Proper assignment of charges per CPT code for all specimens and stains performed
Active participation and monitoring of integrity of daily quality assurance programs and specimen records as defined by CAP and Accrediting Organization.
Performance of preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal operational integrity
Systematic maintenance of stained slides and paraffin blocks for easy retrieval and reference
Safety Practice