Histotechnologists
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
- Tasks
- 16 tasks15 core, 1 supplemental
- Family
- Healthcare PractitionersOne of its 96 occupations
- Code
- 29-2011.04SOC 2018: 29-2011
What the work is made of
15 core tasks and 1 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.Core taskTask 22781Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 2. Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.Core taskTask 22780Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 3. Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.Core taskTask 22791Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 4. Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.Core taskTask 22779Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 5. Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.Core taskTask 22778Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 6. Perform tests by following physician instructions.Core taskTask 22787Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 7. Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.Core taskTask 22784Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 8. Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.Core taskTask 22789Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 9. Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.Core taskTask 22790Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 10. Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.Core taskTask 22782Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 11. Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.Core taskTask 22788Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 12. Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.Core taskTask 22786Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 13. Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.Core taskTask 22783Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 14. Supervise histology laboratory activities.Core taskTask 22792Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 15. Teach students or other staff.Core taskTask 22793Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 16. Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.Supplemental taskTask 22785Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 29-2011
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
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