Description
Prepare, process, section, and stain tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists to support diagnosis and treatment. Ensure quality, maintain instruments and records, and may train or supervise staff.
- • Accession, label, and track tissue specimens, ensuring proper identification and chain of custody.
- • Fix, process, and embed tissues; orient specimens correctly in paraffin blocks.
- • Section paraffin and frozen tissues using microtomes and cryostats to prescribed thickness.
- • Perform H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence per SOP.
- • Coverslip and mount slides and run appropriate control materials with each stain batch.
- • Review slide quality and control results; verify staining adequacy before release.
- • Perform intraoperative frozen sections and rapid stains in coordination with pathologists.
- • Operate, calibrate, and maintain tissue processors, embedding centers, microtomes, stainers, and coverslippers.
- • Troubleshoot tissue processing, staining, and microtomy issues and resolve artifacts.
- • Prepare, label, and manage reagents, buffers, fixatives, and decalcifying solutions; monitor inventory and expirations.
- • Enter case data, stain logs, and QC results into the laboratory information system.
- • Assist with small-specimen grossing and cassette labeling/selection as authorized.
- • Perform recuts, deeper levels, serial sections, and antigen retrieval on request.
- • Maintain QA/QC programs, documentation, and instrument logs to meet CLIA/CAP and safety requirements.
- • Handle biohazardous tissues and chemicals safely, adhering to PPE and waste disposal protocols.
- • Communicate technical information on specimen handling, staining protocols, and turnaround to pathologists and clinical staff.
- • Train, mentor, or oversee histology technicians, students, or other laboratory personnel.
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Related Pathways
Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
