How to Be Immunohistochemistry Technologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 12, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Immunohistochemistry Technologists are responsible for conducting laboratory tests and preparing tissue slides using immunohistochemical techniques. This process allows them to detect and diagnose diseases and other medical conditions by the identification of specific proteins or antibodies in the sample. Through their work, they can help physicians better understand the cause of a patients illness, as well as help develop new treatments.

Immunohistochemistry Technologists can also provide valuable insights into emerging health trends, as well as areas for further research. their work benefits patients by providing accurate diagnoses and treatments, and contributes to a greater understanding of the medical field.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. To become an immunohistochemistry technologist, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
Take college-level science classes. To become an immunohistochemistry technologist, you will need to have a solid background in biology, chemistry, and other related sciences. Many schools offer courses specifically for those interested in becoming an immunohistochemistry technologist.
Enroll in a bachelors degree program in medical technology. This is the most common degree program for those interested in becoming an immunohistochemistry technologist. Most programs require at least two years of study and include a clinical laboratory practicum.
Take additional courses in immunology and histology. Additional courses in these areas are necessary to become an immunohistochemistry technologist. These courses help you understand the basics of how the body works and how to treat it.
Seek certification as a histotechnologist. Certification as a histotechnologist is required in order to become an immunohistochemistry technologist. To be eligible for certification, you must pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Examination.
Gain experience in the field. After obtaining certification, you must gain experience in the field before you can become an immunohistochemistry technologist. Many employers require at least one year of experience before you can be considered for the position.
Pursue a masters degree or higher if desired. If you wish to pursue a higher degree in the field, you may choose to pursue a masters degree or PhD in immunology or histology. This will give you the opportunity to specialize in this field and further your career.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) technologists are responsible for performing tests and procedures that involve the use of antibodies to detect specific antigens on tissue slides. To become an ideal and capable IHC technologist, dedication and expertise is required. Training is essential, as the technologist needs to understand the principles of immunohistochemistry and the laboratory techniques involved.

The technologist must also be able to interpret the results accurately and be able to troubleshoot problems that may arise. Attention to detail and the ability to work independently are also important, as precise results are needed in order to accurately diagnose various conditions. With the right training and dedication, an IHC technologist can become highly skilled and successful in their field.

You may want to check Forensic Pathologist, Clinical Cytogeneticist, and Surgical Pathology Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Operate and maintain immunohistochemistry equipment, including automated stainer, manual stainer, and tissue processor.
Prepare and analyze slides using a variety of immunohistochemistry techniques such as fluorescent, brightfield, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Perform immunohistochemical staining on tissue specimens and interpret results.
Monitor and maintain quality control standards in the laboratory.
Document all immunohistochemistry testing results accurately and efficiently.
Train and oversee laboratory personnel on proper immunohistochemistry techniques and protocols.
Work with pathologists to provide timely and accurate results.
Participate in the development of new protocols and procedures.
Ensure that all laboratory safety protocols are followed correctly.
Maintain laboratory records and report any discrepancies to the supervisor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and handling of hazardous materials.
Ability to operate and maintain immunohistochemistry (IHC) equipment.
Expertise in performing IHC staining procedures and interpreting results.
Knowledge of laboratory reagents and supplies.
Ability to assess the quality of IHC staining results.
Familiarity with standard laboratory practices and protocols for specimen collection, processing, and storage.
Ability to troubleshoot technical and procedural problems.
Proficiency in record keeping, data entry, and data analysis.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The ability to accurately analyze samples and interpret data is an essential skill for an Immunohistochemistry Technologist. Accurate analysis helps to identify the presence of antibodies, antigens, and other molecules in tissue samples, providing critical information to healthcare providers in the diagnosis of diseases. The technologist must be familiar with proper sample collection techniques, be able to read and interpret laboratory results, and have a thorough understanding of laboratory safety procedures.

the technologist must be able to use specialized instruments and equipment with precision, such as microscopes, centrifuges, and automated stainers. By having a sound knowledge of these skills and techniques, an Immunohistochemistry Technologist is able to provide accurate laboratory results that help healthcare providers make informed decisions in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Histotechnologist, Molecular Diagnostic Scientist, and Molecular Diagnostic Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with immunohistochemistry and tissue staining?
Describe a complex project in immunohistochemistry that you have worked on and explain the process.
How do you ensure accurate results when performing immunohistochemistry tests?
What challenges have you faced while working with immunohistochemistry?
How do you troubleshoot technical issues related to immunohistochemistry?
What safety protocols do you follow when performing immunohistochemistry tests?
How do you maintain accurate records of all your patient specimens and test results?
How do you interpret the results of immunohistochemistry tests?
What techniques do you use to optimize tissue staining for immunohistochemistry?
How do you stay current with advances in the field of immunohistochemistry?

Common Tools in Industry

Microtome. A tool used to cut tissue samples into thin slices for histological examination. (Eg: A scientist cuts a tissue sample with a microtome to prepare for immunohistochemistry testing. )
Fluorescence Microscope. An instrument used to view fluorescently-labelled antibodies and cells under high magnification. (Eg: A technologist uses a fluorescence microscope to examine a tissue sample for immunohistochemical staining. )
Immunostaining Kit. A laboratory kit used to perform immunohistochemistry tests on tissue samples. (Eg: A technologist uses an immunostaining kit to detect specific proteins in a tissue sample. )
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). An analytical technique used to measure the concentration of antibodies in a sample. (Eg: A technologist uses ELISA to measure the levels of antibodies in a sample taken from a patient. )
Automated Staining Machine. A machine used to automate the staining process of tissue slides for immunohistochemistry testing. (Eg: A technologist uses an automated staining machine to quickly and efficiently stain tissue slides for immunohistochemistry testing. )

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society for Analytical Cytology (ISAC)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
Clinical Immunology Society (CIS)
United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP)
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)
Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS)
Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)
International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (IAMLT)

We also have Genitourinary Pathologist, Anatomic Pathologist, and Specimen Accessioner jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Antigen. A molecule capable of stimulating the production of antibodies.
Antibody. A protein produced by B-cells that binds to a specific antigen and helps destroy it.
Paraffin. A wax-like substance that is used to embed tissue samples for cutting into thin slices for examination.
Immunofluorescence. A process in which antibodies or antigens are labeled with fluorescent molecules for visualization under a microscope.
Histochemistry. The study of the chemical and biochemical components of cells and tissues.
Immunocytochemistry. The use of antibodies to detect antigens in cells and tissues.
Blocking. The use of compounds to prevent non-specific binding of antibodies.
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A laboratory technique that uses antibodies attached to enzymes to detect the presence of antigens in a sample.
Western Blotting. A laboratory technique used to detect proteins in a sample.
Monoclonal Antibodies. Antibodies produced by identical cells which bind to only one antigen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of an Immunohistochemistry Technologist? A1: An Immunohistochemistry Technologist is responsible for performing specialized laboratory tests to analyze tissue samples for the presence of specific proteins and antigens. Q2: What qualifications are needed to become an Immunohistochemistry Technologist? A2: To become an Immunohistochemistry Technologist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field, as well as certification from a recognized accrediting body. Q3: How long does it take to become an Immunohistochemistry Technologist? A3: It typically takes two to four years to become an Immunohistochemistry Technologist. This includes completing a degree program, obtaining certification and gaining experience in the field. Q4: What duties does an Immunohistochemistry Technologist have? A4: An Immunohistochemistry Technologist is responsible for collecting tissue samples, preparing them for analysis, performing tests, interpreting results and reporting findings. They also maintain laboratory equipment and supplies, and ensure adherence to safety protocols. Q5: What is the average salary of an Immunohistochemistry Technologist? A5: According to PayScale, the average salary of an Immunohistochemistry Technologist is $42,788 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience level, location and other factors.