How to Be Histology Laboratory Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 11, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Histology Laboratory Supervisor plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the laboratory. Their responsibilities involve overseeing the daily operations of the lab, managing staff, maintaining the necessary supplies and equipment, and ensuring that the lab is meeting safety and quality standards. As a result of their efforts, the lab is able to produce accurate results in a timely manner, thus allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment for patients.

In addition, the Histology Laboratory Supervisor also helps to ensure that the laboratory meets all regulatory requirements and complies with the applicable laws. By taking on this important role, the supervisor helps to ensure that the laboratory runs efficiently and effectively, leading to better patient outcomes.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The minimum educational requirement for working as a histology laboratory supervisor is a bachelor's degree in a biological science or related field. Courses in histology, medical terminology, and anatomy are especially helpful in this line of work.
Obtain Certification. Although certification is not always required, some states may require supervisors to be certified. Certification is available through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Certification exams are offered in several specialty areas, such as histotechnician, cytotechnician, and histology supervisor.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Supervisors typically receive on-the-job training in addition to their formal education. During this training, they learn how to operate laboratory equipment, prepare samples for analysis, and interpret results.
Obtain Work Experience. Employers typically look for candidates with at least two years of experience in a histology laboratory or related field. Supervisors should have experience working with laboratory equipment and preparing samples for analysis.
Build Leadership Skills. Histology laboratory supervisors need to have strong leadership skills in order to manage staff, coordinate projects, and ensure that quality standards are met. Additionally, supervisors should have excellent communication skills in order to effectively interact with laboratory staff and other healthcare professionals.

The success of a Histology Laboratory Supervisor depends on their ability to be skilled and qualified. To obtain these qualifications, prospective supervisors must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in science, such as biology or chemistry, with an emphasis on histology. they must also have at least two years of laboratory experience, plus certification in histology from an accredited institution.

Once certified, supervisors must keep their skills up to date by taking continuing education classes and seminars related to histology practices. By doing so, they can stay current on new developments in the field and ensure that their laboratory is always operating at the highest level with the most accurate results. this will result in better patient care and satisfaction, as well as improved outcomes.

You may want to check Cytotechnologist Supervisor, Histology Lab Manager, and Immunocytochemist for alternative.

Job Description

Coordinate the daily operations of the histology laboratory.
Ensure the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of laboratory results.
Supervise and train laboratory staff in the use of techniques and equipment.
Maintain budgetary and inventory control of laboratory materials and supplies.
Develop and implement new techniques for histology processing.
Collaborate with other departments/divisions to ensure proper specimen handling and testing.
Monitor laboratory quality control programs and review processes for compliance with laboratory standards.
Develop and implement procedures for the safe storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
Participate in research projects as needed.
Maintain laboratory records, reports, and other documentation as required.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of histology laboratory operations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and protocols.
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Ability to manage and supervise staff and assign tasks.
Ability to monitor and evaluate quality control processes for accuracy and compliance.
Knowledge of laboratory equipments and instruments.
Familiarity with data entry systems, such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to laboratory instruments and equipments.
Ability to interpret clinical results and provide accurate diagnosis.
Knowledge of infection control standards and regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Ability to adhere to regulatory standards and guidelines set by accrediting agencies.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques, such as specimen processing, sectioning, staining, and mounting.
Knowledge of laboratory information systems and computer applications.

Good communication skills are essential for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor to be successful in their role. Having the ability to effectively communicate ideas and instructions to both the laboratory team and other medical professionals is key in order to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. the ability to listen carefully and interpret requests from a variety of people is necessary to ensure the laboratory is running smoothly.

A Histology Laboratory Supervisor also must have strong problem-solving abilities in order to quickly and effectively address any issues that arise within the laboratory. Being able to think critically and consider multiple solutions is crucial for resolving any issues quickly. Finally, an effective supervisor must be organized and have strong time management skills in order to ensure that deadlines are met and tasks are completed on time.

All of these skills are essential for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor to succeed and ensure that the laboratory runs smoothly.

Histopathologist, Tissue Preparation Technician, and Specimen Receptionist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the histology laboratory?
How have you managed and tracked the daily workflow of the lab?
Describe your experience in developing and maintaining quality control and safety protocols.
What strategies have you used to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results?
What strategies have you used to train new staff members and ensure their competency?
How have you handled unexpected changes in workload or staffing?
Describe your experience with ordering and monitoring lab supplies.
How have you implemented process improvements to increase operational efficiency?
Describe your experience with preparing tissue samples for various tests and evaluations.
How would you handle a situation where a laboratory technician disagrees with your instructions?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. used to view and analyze small tissue samples (e. g. for diagnosing cancer).
Histology Stains. specialized dyes used to color and differentiate tissues for easier examination (e. g. Hematoxylin and Eosin stain).
Cryostat. a device used to freeze small tissue samples in order to section them for microscopic analysis (e. g. for studying tissue structure).
Automated Slide Stainer. a machine used to automatically stain multiple slides with different histology stains in order to prepare them for microscopic analysis (e. g. for diagnosing diseases).
Embedding Station. a device used to embed tissue samples in paraffin wax in order to make them suitable for sectioning with a microtome (e. g. for studying cell structure).
Microtome. an instrument used to cut extremely thin sections of tissue samples for microscopic analysis (e. g. for diagnosing diseases).
Automated Coverslipping Machine. a machine that automatically applies coverslips to slides after staining in order to protect them during storage and transport (e. g. for preserving tissue samples).
Computerized Image Analysis System. a computer system used to digitally capture, store and analyze microscopic images of tissue samples (e. g. for diagnosing diseases).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)
Clinical Lab Management Association (CLMA)
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT)
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)

We also have Clinical Histologist, Histology/Cytology Supervisor, and Blood Bank Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues.
Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Microscopy. The use of microscopes to observe and analyze small objects, such as cells and tissue samples.
Tissue Processing. The physical and chemical preparation of a tissue sample for microscopic examination.
Immunohistochemistry. The use of antibodies to detect specific molecules within a tissue sample.
Embedding. The process of embedding a tissue sample in a wax block for further processing.
Staining. The process of applying dyes to a tissue sample to enhance visibility under a microscope.
Microtomy. The use of a microtome, a specialized device, to cut thin sections of a tissue sample for further examination.
Report Writing. The process of constructing a written report based on the results of microscopic examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the responsibilities of a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?

A Histology Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and managing activities in the laboratory, including personnel, safety protocols, instrumentation, processes, and quality assurance/control.

What qualifications are needed to become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?

To become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor, one typically needs a Bachelors degree in a related field, such as Medical Technology or Biology, with at least two years of experience in histology laboratory work. Additional certifications or qualifications may be required depending on the employer.

How many people does a Histology Laboratory Supervisor typically supervise?

This can vary depending on the size of the laboratory, but a Histology Laboratory Supervisor typically supervises anywhere from two to ten people.

What are the most important skills needed to be a successful Histology Laboratory Supervisor?

Successful Histology Laboratory Supervisors need strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, as well as knowledge of lab procedures and safety protocols. They must also be able to work well with other team members and the public.

What is the average salary for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor ranges from $41,000 - $68,000 per year.

Web Resources

Histology Laboratory | Medicine medicine.tulane.edu
Histology Laboratory - Veterinary Medicine at Illinois vetmed.illinois.edu
Supervisor, Histology | Clinical Laboratory Operations | Clinical ... jobs.northwell.edu