IHC Technician

About The Job

This position supports routine testing in a high complex clinical diagnostic laboratory and works with IHC laboratory technologists who perform patient sample testing. The duties may include data entry, label creation, sort microscope slides with patient tissue, troubleshooting of histology specimens, equipment maintenance and reagent preparation/storage/disposal, in addition to other tasks in a highly complex clinical diagnostic laboratory while maintaining sample integrity.

IHC Technicians are assigned to one of three shifts and may be assigned to work any day that the lab is operational and be flexible. This is a regulated position and additional information may be available from FMI Quality Assurance regarding regulatory guidelines. Regular onsite work at a designated FMI location is an essential function of this role.

• Support IHC laboratory technologists who perform high complex clinical patient sample testing.
• Sort and label samples by test requested while maintaining sample integrity.
• Perform quality control (QC) and/or verification steps for receiving and delivering specimens for IHC staining.
• Monitor oven timers to unload slides, place them on flats, and distribute them to the appropriate staining platform areas.
• Handle, prepare, and unload stainers; conduct dehydrating and cover-slipping of slides utilizing manual or automatic systems.
• Triage sample cancel requests and other inquiries to the appropriate lab team member for response while maintaining sample integrity.
• Finalize test orders to deliver to requesting pathologist.
• Maintain attention to detail for quality completion of each task.
• Maintain proper documentation including proper specimen handling, labeling, and quality control measures.
• Accurately document information as required, including processing logs, quality control, and labeling of reagents.
• Perform routine scanning of stained slides with the Aperio Scan Scope.
• Work in a lab environment using chemicals and reagents.
• Maintain adequate stock and efficient use of supplies necessary for performing all procedures and preparation of reagents.
• Assist in maintaining and troubleshooting equipment/instrumentation and/or pending cases.
• Utilize a laboratory information management system (LIMS, MS Office esp. Excel).
• Follow written lab Standard Operating procedures for the correct handling and processing of specimens.
• Adhere to laboratory’s quality control policies (GCP, CAP/CLIA, ISO) and document all quality control activities with the ability to recognize outliers and correct them.
• Participate in biohazard, chemical, general safety, and other continuing education programs.
• Complete projects under guidance of senior lab personnel.
• Effectively communicate deficiencies to appropriate personnel, including deficiencies related to specimens, paperwork, database information, and equipment.
• Receive and transmit telephone calls and/or emails regarding patient sample processing.
• Communicate effectively in a courteous, professional manner with all levels of management, co-workers, and clients to provide quality customer service.
• Work effectively within a team-oriented department and company.
• As needed, flex to cover scheduling gaps and be included in the on-call rotation for additional weekend and/or holiday technical support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (General Education Degree) AND 3+ years of work experience in a job in the logistics, laboratory sciences, technology field or another regulated industry; OR
• Associate's degree in a biological or life sciences AND 2+ years of work experience in a job in the logistics, laboratory sciences, technology field or another regulated industry; OR
• Bachelor’s degree, particularly a Bachelor of Science degree in biological or life sciences

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of work or academic experience in the logistics, laboratory sciences, technology, or another regulated field
• 2+ year of professional experience in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments/ College of American Pathologists certified laboratory
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management…