Histotechnicians

Histotechnician is a medical laboratory professional who prepares tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists. In surgical pathology laboratories, they process tissues from fixation through embedding in paraffin, sectioning with a microtome, and staining.

They perform routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and may handle special stains or immunohistochemistry under established protocols. They ensure correct specimen labeling, prepare slides for review, and manage slide archival and recordkeeping. They also perform quality control, operate and maintain staining and cutting equipment, and assist with laboratory safety and workflow.

Education and certification: Most histotechnicians hold an associate degree in histotechnology or a related laboratory technology program, often with clinical rotations in accredited labs. Certification is offered by the ASCP Board of Certification, with credentials such as Histotechnician (HT) and Histotechnologist (HTL). Some regions require licensure or state certification.

Workplace and skills: Histotechnicians work in hospitals, private diagnostic laboratories, universities, and research institutes. They must follow safety protocols for chemical and biological hazards. Key skills include meticulous attention to detail, proficiency with microtomy and staining techniques, ability to troubleshoot staining and instrument issues, and strong documentation.

Career outlook and organizations: Demand persists in surgical pathology and cancer diagnostics. Histotechnicians may advance to supervisory or quality assurance roles or pursue further education to become histotechnologists or clinical laboratory scientists. Professional organizations include the National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) and the ASCP.