What does a Histotechnologist do?
Published 3 min read
A histotechnologist is a medical professional who specializes in the study of tissues. They prepare tissue samples for examination by pathologists and use a variety of techniques to examine tissues for abnormalities. Histotechnologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.
Histotechnologist job duties include:
- Maintains knowledge of current histology techniques, equipment, and safety procedures
- Performs all aspects of tissue processing including embedding, microtomy, and staining
- Maintains accurate records of all work performed
- Monitors quality control of all histology laboratory procedures
- Ensures that all histology laboratory equipment is properly maintained and calibrated
- Trains new histology personnel in proper techniques and safety procedures
- May perform special stains and immunohistochemical studies
- May assist in the development of new histology techniques
- Performs other related duties as required
Histotechnologist Job Requirements
A histotechnologist is a medical professional who prepares tissue samples for examination by pathologists. They typically have a bachelor's degree in histotechnology or a related field, and must be certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Histotechnologists typically have several years of experience working in a clinical laboratory.
Histotechnologist Skills
- Histology
- Embedding
- Sectioning
- Staining
- Mounting
- Microtomy
- Routine H&E staining
- Special stains
- IHC
- Frozen sectioning
- Cytology
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How to become a Histotechnologist
A histotechnologist is a medical professional who specializes in the study of tissue samples. Histotechnologists work in hospitals and research laboratories, where they prepare tissue samples for examination by pathologists. In order to become a histotechnologist, one must first earn a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field. After completing an accredited histotechnology program, histotechnologists must pass a national certification exam.
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