Histotech (101511)
Company: U.S. Dermatology Partners
Location: Centreville
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Description SECTION 1: Job Summary (Summary of the basic
functions of the position) Supports the diagnostic evaluation of
tissue by histological procedures. Performs histological duties
within the guidelines established by histology and Moh’s laboratory
(clinic or stand-alone laboratory). SECTION 2: Mohs Lab Duties and
Responsibilities (Responsibilities necessary to accomplish job
functions) Performs a variety of specialized histopathological
procedures. High Complexity Testing includes: Receiving fresh
unfixed specimen at time of tissue removal, mapping, grossing,
sectioning of specimen, ink application, relax cuts and scoring of
tissue as needed. NON High Complexity Testing includes: Embedding,
cryotomy, staining and coverslipping. Immunohistochemistry
staining(in facilities that offer this service). HIGH COMPLEXITY
TESTING: Specimen Collection/Triage: Receive surgical laboratory
samples from patient(s) for testing. Verify correct specimen
orientation for mapping. Verify patient map information: Name,
accession number, stage, tumor location and diagnosis. Specimen
preparation : Maintain accurate specimen identification /
orientation. Divide specimen into sections for processing as noted
on map. Apply color coded ink to specimen as designated on map for
margin orientation. Perform relax cuts and scores to tissue
specimen(s) as needed. Place specimen on embedding slide(s) for
processing. (verify accession / piece / stage). NON-HIGH COMPLEXITY
TESTING: Embedding: Orient specimen correctly on a glass slide
using the "reverse slide mount method" for embedding (routinely
epidermis to the left). Freeze specimen to glass slide, ensuring
that the epidermis / base of specimen are properly placed to ensure
a complete representative section. Once frozen, invert specimen
onto prepared object holder disc. Microtomy (Cutting): Operate a
microtome within cryostat with correct settings, alignments and
knife angles to insure optimum cutting / sectioning of specimen.
Verify block orientation for proper facing of specimen. Adequately
trim specimen(s) block to correct level of completeness to provide
a true first margin of the specimen. (trimming excessively may
generate false positive). Ability to determine and produce
acceptable quality representative specimen sections. Accurately
places a series of sections on a microscopic slide (labeled with
accession /piece / stage). Correctly labels and stores cut specimen
blocks within the cryostat chamber to ensure accurate tissue
identification. Routine Staining Procedures: Selects appropriate
stains and chemicals to perform H&E or TBlue staining
procedures. Prepares and maintains stains and other solutions
required in staining. Demonstrate the ability to determine
acceptable and unacceptable staining. Identifies and correct
problem areas that result in inadequate staining. Mounting
Procedure: Slides are hand cover slipped using a xylene compatible
mounting medium. Specimens to be submitted for Permanent Paraffin
processing : Prepare routine excisions to be processed as a "Slow
Mohs" - non frozen tissue. Thaw and submit previously U.S.
Dermatology Partners of Tyler frozen section (excision and biopsy)
tissue for permanent paraffin processing. Prepare DAF (previously
frozen) specimens to be sent for permanent paraffin processing.
Instrumentation : Maintains/services instruments according to
established protocols. Demonstrate the ability to operate or use
instruments for intended purpose. Monitors and documents instrument
performance and checks/recognizes malfunctions and identifies the
need of repair. Reagent Preparation : Prepares reagents according
to established procedures. Records quality control data for each
reagent. Select proper storage and preservation for all reagents.
Recognizes reagent malfunction and need to replace reagent. General
Safety: Demonstrates correct safety practices as defined in
established protocol. Recognizes and corrects dangerous situations
related to job safety. Investigates and resolves complaints, or
refers unusual problems to superior. Adhere to all OSHA regulations
and universal precautions. Chemical Hygiene/Biohazard Procedures :
Demonstrate proper handling of chemicals and biohazard materials.
Adheres to all OSHA regulations and universal precautions,
including waste and sharps disposal. Maintains knowledge of OSHA
regulations and use of universal precautions as appropriate.
General: Participate in department or unit Quality Improvement
activities. Assist in general housekeeping duties for Mohs
Laboratory, including weekly "scrub down". Maintain Mohs & DAF
laboratory log books (accession / date / patient / tumor location).
Assists in the evaluation of new procedures and equipment for
possible adoption by the laboratory environment. Conducts quality
control procedures on equipment, reagent, and products and
maintains proper records for quality control reports. Prepares
slides with permanent labels and files appropriately. Maintains
Mohs/Excision logbooks. Adheres to all safety policies and
procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities while
supporting a culture of high quality and great customer service.
Performs other duties that may be necessary or in the best interest
of the organization. Pathology Lab Duties and
Responsibilities(Responsibilities necessary to accomplish job
functions) Performs a variety of specialized, difficult, delicate
and complex chemical, histopathological or immunologic procedures
in identifying specific components. High Complexity Testing
includes: Grossing. (This would consist of specimens received in
the lab that are fixed in 10% formalin, and specimens submitted in
Michel’s Fixative for Immunofluorescence processing) NON High
Complexity Testing: All other lab procedures. High Complexity
Testing includes: Grossing and nail processing. This would consist
of specimens received in the lab that are fixed in 10% formalin,
and specimens submitted in Michel’s Fixative for Immunofluorescence
processing. Gross Exam: Maintains accurate specimen identification.
Measures specimens Select the right tissue cassettes for processing
and store residual tissues. Records information to be used during
embedding and cutting. Nail Processing and Decalcification: Select
appropriate specimens for decal procedure. Use of Sodium Hydroxide
for nail specimen. Determine appropriate degree of decalcification.
NON-HIGH COMPLEXITY TESTING: Specimen Collection/Triage: Receives,
accepts and recognizes specimens that arrive in the laboratory.
Check for proper identification and fixative. Accession specimen
with proper patient information. Tissue Processing: Implement
appropriate procedure during processing. Prepares and maintains
tissue processor Tissue Embedding: Recognizes adequacy of
processing. Determines correct mold size for the specimen.
Maintains accurate identification of the specimen. Identifies and
orients specimen correctly Microtomy (Cutting) : Operates a
microtome with correct settings, alignments and knife angles to
insure optimum sectioning. Determine block orientation and facing
in order to obtain a full representative section. Ability to
determine acceptable sections. Selects correct procedure regarding
section thickness. Select appropriate slides for specific stain.
Maintains accurate tissue identification. Routine Staining
Procedures : Selects appropriate stains and chemicals to perform H
& E staining procedures. Prepares and maintains stains and other
solutions required in staining. Demonstrate the ability to
determine acceptable and unacceptable staining. Identifies and
correct problem areas that result in inadequate staining. Mounting
Procedure: Select correct mounting medium for each type stain.
Special Stain Techniques: Identifies proper control and stains to
be used for demonstrating specific tissue constituents and
pathogens. Demonstrate the ability to determine acceptable vs.
unacceptable staining. Identifies and corrects problems that result
in inadequate or improperly stained tissue. Immunohistochemical
Techniques: Identifies the proper control for Immunohistochemistry
and Immunofluorescence to be used for specific antibodies.
Determines appropriate antigen retrieval procedure for each
antibody. Instrumentation : Maintains/services instruments
according to established protocols. Demonstrate the ability to
operate or use instruments for intended purpose. Monitors and
documents instrument performance and checks/recognizes malfunctions
and identifies the need of repair. Reagent Preparation: Prepares
reagents according to established procedures. Records quality
control data for each reagent. Select proper storage and
preservation for all reagents. Recognizes reagent malfunction and
need to replace reagent General Safety: Demonstrates correct safety
practices as defined in established protocol. Recognizes and
corrects dangerous situations related to job safety. Adhere to all
OSHA regulations and universal precautions. Chemical
Hygiene/Biohazard Procedures: Demonstrate proper handling of
chemicals and biohazard materials. Maintains knowledge of OSHA
regulations and use of universal precaution Assists in the
evaluation of new procedures and equipment for possible adoption by
the laboratory environment. Conducts quality control procedures on
equipment, reagent, and products and maintains proper records for
quality control reports. Prepares slides with permanent labels and
files appropriately. Adheres to all safety policies and procedures
in performing job duties and responsibilities while supporting a
culture of high quality and great customer service. Performs other
duties that may be necessary or in the best interest of the
organization. Qualifications SECTION 3: Experience Requirements
Minimum one year of work experience in a medical office, required.
SECTION 4: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements Thorough
knowledge of medical terminology, required. Basic knowledge of
medical billing coding, including CPT and ICD-10 coding, required
Detail oriented, professional attitude, reliable Management and
organizational skills to support the leadership of this function
Ability to follow or provide verbal & written instructions with
sufficient grammar and spelling skills to avoid mistakes or
misinterpretations Interpersonal skills to support customer
service, functional, and team mate support needs Able to
communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
Mathematical and/or analytical ability for basic to intermediate
problem solving Basic to intermediate computer operation
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook Specialty
knowledge of systems relating to job function Knowledge of state
and federal regulations for this position; general understanding of
HIPAA guidelines SECTION 5: Supervisory Responsibilities: This
position has no supervisory responsibilities
Keywords: U.S. Dermatology Partners, Richmond , Histotech (101511), Science, Research & Development , Centreville, Virginia
