How to Be Tissue Preparation Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Tissue Preparation Technicians play an important role in medical research and laboratory experiments. By preparing tissue samples for examination, they enable researchers to gain insight into the causes and effects of various diseases. The technician's process of preparing tissue samples involves a variety of techniques, such as tissue dissection, histology, and staining.

These techniques allow the technician to identify and isolate individual cells, which can then be studied in greater detail. With this information, researchers are able to better understand disease progression, underlying causes, and potential treatments. In turn, this knowledge can lead to the development of more effective treatments and even cures for various diseases.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Associates Degree in a Medical Field. To become a tissue preparation technician, you will need to have an associates degree in a medical field, such as biology, biochemistry, or a related field. Many colleges and universities offer associate degrees in these fields. Check with your local college or university to find out what programs are available.
Complete On-The-Job Training. Most employers of tissue preparation technicians will provide on-the-job training to their new hires. This training usually consists of learning how to use the equipment in the laboratory, as well as learning how to properly prepare tissue samples for analysis.
Obtain a Certification. While certification is not always required to work as a tissue preparation technician, it can be beneficial to obtaining employment and increasing your knowledge of the field. The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers a certification exam for tissue preparation technicians.
Gain Experience. Most employers of tissue preparation technicians require at least two years of experience in the field. Gaining experience through an internship or volunteer work can be helpful in finding employment as a tissue preparation technician.
Search for Employment. Once you have completed your educational requirements and gained experience, you can begin searching for employment as a tissue preparation technician. Many medical laboratories hire tissue preparation technicians, as do some hospitals and universities. You can search online job sites such as Indeed or Monster to find open positions.

Tissue preparation is a key part of medical research, and having a skilled and knowledgeable technician in the lab is essential to the success of any project. Proper tissue preparation requires an understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and histology of the tissue being studied, as well as the techniques used to prepare the tissue for microscopic examination. The technician must also be able to follow stringent safety protocols and use specialized equipment to ensure that the sample is preserved properly.

Furthermore, they must have the knowledge and skills to select the proper chemicals and reagents for preserving and processing the tissue, as well as have the ability to interpret the results of the tissue preparation and make appropriate decisions for further analysis. With these skills and knowledge, a competent tissue preparation technician can make a significant contribution to medical research, helping to advance our understanding of diseases and treatments.

You may want to check Clinical Histologist, Research Histologist, and Tissue Processor Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and process biological specimens for research or diagnostic purposes.
Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment including microscopes, cryostats and tissue processors.
Follow standard laboratory protocols and safety procedures.
Maintain accurate records of specimens and results.
Prepare reports and other documentation as required.
Monitor and order laboratory supplies.
Train new personnel in tissue preparation techniques.
Assist with laboratory experiments as needed.
Maintain a clean, organized and safe work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to interpret technical instructions and protocols
Knowledge of histology techniques and tissue preparation methods
Good manual dexterity and fine motor skills
Experience with tissue processing and embedding
Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures
Ability to use, maintain, and troubleshoot histology instruments
Familiarity with aseptic techniques and sterile handling
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping
Basic knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office

Having the right skills is essential for any tissue preparation technician. Being able to accurately and effectively prepare tissue samples for analysis is critical for successful lab results. Good attention to detail is paramount for these technicians as any mistake can lead to inaccurate results.

they must have a good understanding of laboratory protocols and safety procedures. knowledge of the different types of tissue samples, their individual characteristics, and how they are processed is also important. Finally, having the ability to follow instructions and use specialized lab equipment properly is essential for the success of any tissue preparation technician.

With these skills, any technician can effectively and efficiently prepare tissue samples for analysis, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Clinical Lab Scientist Supervisor, Cytotechnologist Supervisor, and Blood Bank Supervisor are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in tissue preparation?
How do you ensure the safety of the sample during tissue preparation?
Describe your experience with cryogenic methods of tissue preparation.
What techniques have you used to accurately measure tissue sections?
What quality control measures do you take when preparing tissues?
What challenges have you faced when working with tissues?
How do you maintain equipment used for tissue preparation?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot issues with tissue preparation?
How do you keep accurate records of your work with tissues?
How do you stay up to date with new methods for tissue preparation?

Common Tools in Industry

Microtome. Used to cut sections of tissue for microscopic examination (e. g. slicing a brain).
Cryostat. A machine used to freeze sections of tissue for microscopic examination (e. g. freezing a liver).
Staining Tray. Used to apply stains to sections of tissue for microscopic examination (e. g. staining a heart).
Reagent Dispenser. A device used to dispense reagents onto sections of tissue for laboratory testing (e. g. adding a dye to a brain sample).
Pipette. A tool used to accurately measure and transfer liquids (e. g. transferring 10 mL of liquid into a sample container).
Dissection Scissors. Used to cut through tissues during dissection (e. g. removing the spleen from a cadaver).
Forceps. A tool used to grasp and hold tissues during dissection (e. g. grasping a nerve during a dissection).
Embedding Cassettes. Used to encase specimens in paraffin wax for further processing and microscopic examination (e. g. encasing a kidney in wax).
Tissue Flotation Bath. A device used to separate tissues into different layers during microscopic examination (e. g. separating muscle fibers from fat).
Microscope. Used to examine tissues at a high magnification (e. g. examining cells under a microscope).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
International Assocation of Clinical Laboratory Technologists (IACLT)
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Association of Clinical Pathology (ACP)
American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)

We also have DNA/RNA Extraction Technician, Histology Technician, and Flow Cytometry Technologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues.
Embedding. The process of inserting a specimen into a medium such as paraffin wax or plastic resin to preserve it for microscopic examination.
Dehydration. The process of removing water from specimens prior to embedding.
Cryosectioning. The process of cutting frozen sections of tissue, usually with a cryostat microtome, for microscopic examination.
Staining. The process of adding colored dyes to specimens in order to enhance visibility and clarity under the microscope.
Microtome. An instrument used to cut very thin sections of tissue for microscopic examination.
Immunohistochemistry. A technique used to detect the presence of specific proteins or antigens in tissue sections by using antibodies that bind to them.
In Situ Hybridization. A technique used to detect the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences in tissue sections by labeling them with fluorescent probes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Tissue Preparation Technician do?

A Tissue Preparation Technician prepares biological specimens for research analysis by processing, embedding, and cutting tissue samples.

What qualifications are required for a Tissue Preparation Technician?

A Tissue Preparation Technician typically requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Biology or Microbiology, and experience in laboratory techniques.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Tissue Preparation Technician?

The primary responsibilities of a Tissue Preparation Technician include embedding tissue samples in paraffin blocks, cutting the blocks into thin slices, mounting them on slides, staining them, and operating microscopes or other instruments to examine the slides.

What tools and equipment is a Tissue Preparation Technician expected to use?

A Tissue Preparation Technician is expected to use tools and equipment such as a microtome, a cryostat, a rotary microtome, a cryostat-microtome, an automated tissue processor, an automated slide stainer, and various microscopes.