Histotechnologist Job Description and Average Salary

• The job responsibilities of a histotechnologist are plentiful; while it is easy to summarize the same as preparing slides for observation, the actual task encompasses a whole lot of other duties.
• He has to perform histochemical techniques on a variety of tissues, this involves different procedures, like frozen section technique, processing, etc., as well as conduct tests on a variety of cell samples.
• A tissue sample is not directly examined under the microscope, it goes through a few procedures prior to testing and observation.
• It is trimmed, fixated, sliced, and stained to make the observation of the cells easier. The procedure is elaborated below.
• Apart from this process, a histotechnologist is responsible for pre-screening different samples, collecting different specimens from hospital labs, and performing routine tests.
• He is responsible for the proper tissue treatment, making sure it meets the necessary requirements before it reaches the pathologist.
• In fact, he can also study slides and make appropriate observations for further research.
• He is responsible for creating all the different stains and dyes and antibodies required for the tissue sampling process.
• He operates all the computerized equipment and records accurate data entries.
• He is also responsible for keeping the laboratory as clean and hygienic as possible, assisting junior staff, directing them accordingly, implementing and teaching them the various laboratory procedures, etc.
• Other duties include keeping track of whether the right tissue sample is assigned to the right pathologist, sterilizing equipment, etc.

Tissue Sampling Process

• The tissue sample is trimmed and grossed to a specific size.
• Technically, this process is called ‘grossing the specimen’.
• After this, the resultant specimens go through a preservation process, called ‘fixation’.
• This is done by placing them in certain solutions.

• Paraffin wax is heated and melted and placed on the tissue specimen, after clearing it off water.
• This wax spreads throughout the tissue and supports it during the process of slicing.
• This refers to the process of slicing the tissue into wafer-thin slices.

• Before going in for the slicing process, the specimen is placed in a large wax block for support.

• The tissue is mounted on to the microtome.
• A sharp knife is used to slice sections of the tissue that is embedded in the wax block.
• The slices are allowed to float in warm water to soften them.
• These specimens are stored for further analysis.

• This process involves testing the tissue specimens with different chemicals.
• The components of the tissue are brought in contact with chemicals and allowed to change colors.
• Different antibodies are used in a technique called immunohistochemistry in order to determine the accurate treatment for tumors.
• Bacteria and virus are identified by means of applying DNA probes.
• After this process, the final resultant sample is provided to the pathologist.

• Extreme attention to detail
• Computer skills
• Research skills
• Programming knowledge
• Record-keeping

• A relevant degree with subjects, like biology, physics, maths, computers, etc., is expected
• Two year associate degrees can be obtained, after which a certification can be obtained to be a histotechnician.
• After some experience, a bachelor-level program can be undertaken in a relevant field to become a histotechnologist.

Source: Indeed.com as of December 10, 2014. Figures are in US Dollars.

• Most histotechnologists spend an average 8 – 9 hours in the lab, i.e., they have regular shifts and timings.
• Sometimes, however, they might be required to work extra hours.
• Ultimately, they have to spend a lot of time in the laboratory, scanning tissue samples under the microscope.
• They have to endure different odors―dyes, stains, solutions, antibodies, etc.
• They need to be extremely alert and cautious, they must be able to concentrate on very minute specimens.
• If the person likes what he is doing, he will love the laboratory atmosphere; if not, he may find it hectic and stressful.