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Career Description

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

What Job Titles Histotechnologists Might Have

• Histology Technologist

What Histotechnologists Do

• Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
• Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
• Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
• Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
• Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
• Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
• Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
• Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
• Perform tests by following physician instructions.
• Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
• Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
• Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
• Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
• Supervise histology laboratory activities.
• Teach students or other staff.