A histology technician, also known as a histotechnician or histology technologist, creates microscopic slide presentations of diseased cells and tissues. Under the supervision of laboratory or clinic personnel, she collects specimens. Physicians who specialize in pathology typically examine the specimens.
Following the collection of the specimens, the histology technician is instructed on how to preserve them. Specimens may be frozen, preserved in paraffin, or stored in plastic, depending on their intended use. On the slide samples, a common technique called staining may be used to aid in the identification of different structures in the tissues.
The technician is qualified and authorized to determine the viability of the samples. The samples she is in charge of are usually ones she has collected as well as those submitted other medical professionals. To maintain viability, each sample may require specialized handling.
The histotechnician monitors the integrity of the specimens as they are examined to ensure that they remain valid throughout the analytical process. Performing quality-control and quality-assurance testing is a common example. Regular inspection of the equipment, tools, and instruments is also required to ensure compliance with industry standards and testing accuracy.
In some labs, the histology technician is responsible for developing and implementing her own testing procedures. This necessitates advanced technical skills as well as a thorough understanding of the tissues to be tested. Technician-developed procedures are frequently reviewed pathologists familiar with the tissues in question prior to implementation to ensure that they meet stringent accuracy guidelines.
A histology technician’s success depends on their ability to pay attention to detail. Accuracy is critical in every aspect of her job, from sample collection to preliminary analysis and final testing. It is critical to keep accurate records of testing procedures in order to reach accurate laboratory conclusions.
A histology technician compiles detailed reports of laboratory results and testing procedures on a regular basis. Internally or online, these reports are usually made available to the medical community for review. The technician may be asked to check other people’s paperwork for accuracy.
A histology technician is expected to be proficient in the use of light and electron microscopes, as well as other laboratory equipment. Embedding centers and tissue processors are examples of this type of equipment. Knowledge of how to use computerized and laboratory databases is also beneficial.
A two-year associate’s degree with a significant number of biological or chemical science courses is required to work as a histology technician. It’s possible that an accredited histotechnology certification program, as well as two years of relevant laboratory experience, will be required. It is preferable if you are familiar with laboratory procedures, health-care environments, or clinical trials.