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

The Tissue Processor Technician is a very important role within the medical field, as their work directly affects the quality of patient care. Their primary responsibility is to accurately and efficiently process tissue specimens for laboratory testing. If the Technician does not perform their job correctly, it can lead to inaccurate or incomplete test results, which can cause delayed diagnosis or treatment for the patient.

incorrect tissue processing can lead to inaccurate research findings, resulting in an inability to develop or improve treatments for patients. The Technician must have a thorough knowledge of the procedures and methods used in tissue processing, as well as be highly organized and detail-oriented in order to minimize any potential errors.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. While it is not always required, many employers prefer applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Consider pursuing a post-secondary education. Although not required, some employers may prefer applicants who have completed a post-secondary program in a medical field, such as tissue processing technology.
3. Obtain certification. Although not always required, having certification as a tissue processing technician may make you more attractive to employers. Certification is available through organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the American Association of Tissue Banks.
4. Gain experience. Many employers prefer applicants who have experience working in a medical laboratory, such as a hospital or clinic.
5. Find a job. Look for job postings for tissue processing technicians in newspapers, online job boards, and other career websites. Contact potential employers directly if you have specific qualifications that you think might be beneficial for the position.
6. Apply for the job. As part of the application process, you may be asked to provide references and information about your work experience and education.
7. Pass a background check. Most employers require applicants to pass a background check before they can be hired.
8. Attend training. Once hired, you may need to attend training sessions to learn more about the specific duties of a tissue processing technician and how to properly use equipment and perform tasks related to the job.

The job of a Tissue Processor Technician requires a reliable and competent individual as they are responsible for preparing tissue samples for diagnostic and research purposes. This involves the precise handling of biological specimens, as well as the operation of highly specialized equipment. To be reliable and competent in this role, one must possess the knowledge and skills to operate the equipment, understand the importance of safety protocols and have the ability to accurately follow instructions.

Furthermore, having technical aptitude, attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for success. With these qualities, a Tissue Processor Technician can ensure that tissue samples are prepared correctly and efficiently, leading to successful results in pathology and research laboratories.

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Job Description

1. Receive and process samples of human and animal tissue and fluids in the laboratory.
2. Set up and operate tissue processors, embedding centers, and other laboratory equipment.
3. Monitor and maintain all laboratory instruments to ensure optimal functioning.
4. Prepare and label slides for microscopic examination.
5. Maintain an accurate record of samples processed and stored.
6. Monitor and order supplies for the laboratory.
7. Troubleshoot and repair laboratory instruments and equipment.
8. Perform quality control tests and document results.
9. Follow laboratory safety and hazardous waste protocols.
10. Clean and maintain the laboratory workspace.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of tissue processing techniques and procedures
2. Ability to operate, calibrate and troubleshoot tissue processors and related equipment
3. Knowledge of correct staining methods
4. Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures
5. Ability to work with a wide variety of tissue types from different species
6. Ability to keep accurate records and maintain log books
7. Ability to use laboratory software for tracking and recording data
8. Ability to follow protocols and directions
9. Excellent organizational skills
10. Excellent manual dexterity
11. Ability to identify issues and troubleshoot problems
12. Ability to work independently and in a team environment
13. Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues

Being a Tissue Processor Technician requires a wide range of skills and knowledge in order to ensure accurate and successful results. The most important skill to have is attention to detail. This means understanding the details of the procedures, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and closely monitoring the progress of specimens.

Attention to detail is essential in order to detect any potential problems with the tissue processing, such as improper fixation or decalcification. the technician should be knowledgeable about the use of specialized instruments, such as grossing saws, microtomes and cryostats. They should also have the ability to recognize and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the processing.

Finally, the technician must have good communication skills in order to effectively collaborate with other professionals, such as pathologists and laboratory technicians. By having strong attention to detail, technical knowledge and communication skills, a Tissue Processor Technician can ensure accurate and successful results.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working with tissue processing instruments?
• How do you stay up to date with new procedures and techniques related to tissue processing?
• Describe a time you successfully troubleshot a tissue processing issue.
• What safety protocols do you use when operating tissue processing instruments?
• How do you ensure the accuracy of your tissue processing results?
• How do you prioritize tasks related to tissue processing?
• Describe a time you successfully completed a complex tissue processing project.
• What techniques do you use to maintain the cleanliness of tissue processing instruments?
• Describe a time you successfully worked as part of a team to complete a tissue processing project.
• How do you handle difficult situations when working with tissue processing instruments?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Microtome. A tool used to cut thin slices of tissue for microscopic examination. (e. g. Microm HM 325)
2. Paraffin Embedding Machine. A machine used to melt and solidify paraffin wax around tissue samples for slicing. (e. g. Leica EG1150H)
3. Reagent Dispenser. A tool used to accurately dispense chemicals for staining and other processing techniques. (e. g. Thermo Scientific Multidrop Combi)
4. Staining Machine. A machine used to stain tissue samples with dyes or other compounds for microscopic examination. (e. g. Shandon Histo-Technician)
5. Heat Sealer. A tool used to create sealed packets of tissue samples for storage. (e. g. Accu-Seal HSS-1)
6. Autoclave. A device used to sterilize equipment and tissue samples. (e. g. Tuttnauer EZ9 Plus)
7. Microscope. A device used to view tissue samples under magnification. (e. g. Nikon Eclipse Ni-U)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Association for Research and Technology in Histology (ARTH)
2. The Histotechnologists Association of North America (HANA)
3. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
4. National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
5. International Federation for Histotechnology and Laboratory Medicine (IFH)
6. International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)
7. American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB)
8. International Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ISHI)
9. American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT)
10. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

We also have Blood Bank Supervisor, Histology Processing Technician, and Immunohistochemistry Scientist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Cryostat. A device used to cut and freeze tissue samples for microscopic examination.
2. Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of tissue sections.
3. Paraffin Embedding. The process of embedding tissue specimens in molten paraffin wax to produce sections for microscopic examination.
4. Microtome. A device used to cut thin sections of tissue specimens for histological examination.
5. Dehydration. The process of removing water from tissue samples prior to embedding.
6. Staining. The process of adding dyes to tissue sections to make them more visible under a microscope.
7. Mounting. The process of attaching a section of tissue to a slide for microscopic examination.
8. Cover Slipping. The process of adding a protective cover to the tissue sections on a slide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Tissue Processor Technician?

A Tissue Processor Technician is a healthcare professional responsible for operating automated equipment that processes and preserves tissue specimens for use in medical laboratories.

What duties does a Tissue Processor Technician perform?

A Tissue Processor Technician typically prepares and processes tissue specimens for histology and pathology, monitors the operation of automated tissue processors, and maintains records of processed specimens.

What qualifications are required for a Tissue Processor Technician?

Qualifications for a Tissue Processor Technician typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and experience in a medical laboratory setting. Additional certification may be required depending on the employer.

What is the average salary for a Tissue Processor Technician?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Tissue Processor Technician is $35,738 per year.

What kind of environment does a Tissue Processor Technician work in?

A Tissue Processor Technician typically works in a laboratory setting. The environment may be clinical or industrial, depending on the employer.

What are jobs related with Tissue Processor Technician?

• Blood Bank Technologist
• Research Histologist
• Immunohistochemist
• Histology Laboratory Supervisor
• Blood Bank Technician
• Clinical Lab Scientist Supervisor
• Molecular Histologist
• Histopathologist
• Immunocytochemist
• Cytogenetic Technologist

Web Resources

• Tissue Processing | Dermatology | U of U School of Medicine medicine.utah.edu
• Tissue Processor | Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology www.igb.illinois.edu
• A. TISSUE PROCESSING www.iau.edu.sa