What Does a Histology Technician Do?
Histology technicians work in a laboratory doing tasks that help pathologists diagnose disease. Histology technicians prepare tissue slides for microscopic evaluation using specialized equipment and techniques. They usually learn their skills by earning a two-year associate's degree.
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Materials
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Histology technicians work with human and animal tissues, bone marrow, and blood and other body fluids that have been obtained from diagnostic, surgical or autopsy procedures.
Techniques
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Histology technicians use techniques including dehydrating, embedding, fixing, sectioning and staining to prepare the tissues for microscopic examination.
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Preparation and Maintenance
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Histology technicians prepare stains and other solutions. They maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, ensuring that everything is in good working order.
Specimen Collection
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Job duties may include helping with specimen collection, including assisting during fine-needle aspiration biopsies and gathering specimens during autopsies.
Clerical Tasks
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Histology technicians often are required to assist with data entry and other clerical duties essential to the laboratory. They might monitor supply inventory and order new supplies when needed.
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