Laboratory Technician - Histopathology

Job Purpose:

The Laboratory Technician – Histopathology will perform technical laboratory procedures to prepare, process, and analyze tissue specimens for diagnostic, research, and teaching purposes. The role holder will ensure compliance with quality standards, laboratory protocols, and regulatory requirements, supporting pathologists in providing accurate and timely diagnostic reports.

Core Responsibilities:

Specimen Reception and Documentation:

• Receive, verify, and log tissue specimens following established protocols.
• Accurately label and assign unique identifiers to specimens.
• Maintain detailed records of specimen information, ensuring data integrity and traceability.

Tissue Processing:

• Perform gross tissue processing, including trimming and embedding specimens in paraffin or other media.
• Operate and maintain tissue processors for dehydration, clearing, and infiltration of tissues.
• Ensure proper orientation of specimens during embedding to optimize diagnostic quality.

Staining Procedures:

• Perform routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of tissue sections.
• Carry out special stains (e.g., PAS, Masson's trichrome, Giemsa) as requested by the pathologist.
• Apply immunohistochemistry (IHC) and other advanced staining techniques for diagnostic or research purposes.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance:

• Operate and calibrate laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, tissue processors, and stainers.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments to ensure functionality.
• Keep accurate maintenance logs and report equipment malfunctions promptly.

Quality Control and Assurance:

• Adhere to laboratory quality control (QC) standards to ensure slide preparation accuracy and reproducibility.
• Perform periodic QC checks on reagents, stains, and equipment.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance programs to maintain accreditation standards.

Safety and Compliance Management:

• Follow laboratory safety guidelines, including handling hazardous chemicals and biological specimens.
• Dispose of waste materials in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory protocols, accreditation requirements, and relevant regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, CAP, NABL).

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records, including specimen logs, staining protocols, and equipment usage.
• Assist in the preparation of diagnostic reports by providing high-quality histological slides.
• Enter data into laboratory information systems (LIS) with accuracy and efficiency.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with pathologists, laboratory managers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Provide technical support to colleagues and assist in troubleshooting laboratory issues.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Training and Development:

• Train new technicians or interns in histopathology techniques and laboratory procedures.
• Stay updated on advancements in histopathology and laboratory technologies.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance technical skills.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field.

Professional Requirements:

• Relevant certification as a Histotechnologist (HT) or in the microbiology field is an added advantage.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in a histopathology laboratory setting, demonstrating progressive responsibility and expertise.
• Proficiency in a wide range of histopathological techniques, including special stains, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy.

Knowledge Requirements:

• Thorough understanding of histopathology principles, including tissue processing, staining techniques, and microscopic interpretation.
• In-depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
• Comprehensive understanding of disease processes and their microscopic manifestations.
• Proficiency in the use of light microscopes, including brightfield, darkfield, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Thorough understanding of quality control and quality assurance procedures in a histopathology laboratory.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to handling hazardous chemicals and biological materials.
• Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) and other relevant software.

Skill Requirements:

• Proficiency in operating laboratory equipment (microtomes, embedding stations, staining machines)
• Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for precise tissue handling and sectioning.
• Ability to prepare high-quality histological slides.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all procedures.

Personal Abilities

• Professional attitude towards work.
• Shares the AMCE’s vision.
• Proactive and organized.
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues and peers. 
• Supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members.
• Ability to adapt accordingly.
• High levels of honesty and integrity.

African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.