HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN 2809

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class performs technical laboratory work in the preparation of biological tissue specimens for histopathologic examination. The work involves utilizing sophisticated laboratory instruments and techniques to cut, mount, and stain tissue specimens, producing microscopic slides which assist the Medical Examiner or other consulting Pathologist in making histopathological diagnoses that may relate to a decedent’s cause of death. The employee adheres to established laboratory practices and procedures, including those involving infection control. Specialized work is accompanied by detailed instructions, when necessary. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Accessions tissue specimens received;

Prepares laboratory instrumentation for use;

Prepares stains, reagents, and other solutions necessary for the operation of laboratory instruments and/or for performing histological techniques;

Processes tissue specimens utilizing the appropriate laboratory instruments;

Embeds tissue specimens in paraffin, producing tissue blocks;

Utilizes a microtome to precisely cut sections of tissue blocks;

Mounts tissue sections onto glass slides;

Stains tissue-mounted glass slides utilizing Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) or other chemical compounds and installs a protective coverslip onto the slide;

Labels completed slides to ensure accurate and unique identification;

May perform specialized staining of tissue specimens, or prepare unstained blank slides for outside specialized staining, upon the instruction of the Medical Examiner or other consulting Pathologist;

May perform specialized procedures, such as recuts, level/step cuts, and/or serial sections on tissue blocks, upon the instruction of the Medical Examiner or other consulting Pathologist;

Adheres to infection control practices and procedures, such as those designed to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens;

Cleans, and performs routine maintenance on, laboratory instruments and equipment;

Records data pursuant to established procedures;

Participates in Quality Assurance/Quality Control testing and activities;

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of Histology, including tissue fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and standard laboratory operations; thorough knowledge of the instruments, equipment, and chemical compounds associated with the practice of Histology; good knowledge of general science, laboratory techniques, and laboratory procedures; good knowledge of chemistry and biology as applied to pathology; skill in laboratory manipulative techniques; ability to perform assigned tasks according to exactly prescribed procedures; ability to produce accurate records of work performed; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

One (1) year of experience in a laboratory setting that must have involved the performance of microtomy, and either:

a) License issued by the State of New York to practice as a Certified Histological Technician; or,

b) License issued by the State of New York to practice as a Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician; or,

c) License issued by the State of New York to practice as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist; or,

c) License issued by the State of New York to practice as a Cytotechnologist.

R 3/23/20

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive