Will “Histotechnologist” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.

• Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.

• Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.

• Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.

• Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.

• Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.

• Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.

• Supervise histology laboratory activities.

• Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.

• Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.

• Perform tests by following physician instructions.

• Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

• Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.

• Teach students or other staff.

• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.

• Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.