# 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.

- Code: 29-2011.04 (O*NET-SOC; SOC 2018 29-2011)
- Family: [Healthcare Practitioners](https://foundation.org.ai/occupations#family-29), one of its 96 occupations
- Tasks: 16 tasks (15 core and 1 supplemental)
- Page: https://foundation.org.ai/occupations/29-2011.04
- JSON: https://foundation.org.ai/data/tasks/29-2011.04.json

## What the work is made of

1. Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.  
   Core task · Task 22781 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
2. Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.  
   Core task · Task 22780 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
3. Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.  
   Core task · Task 22791 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
4. Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.  
   Core task · Task 22779 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
5. Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.  
   Core task · Task 22778 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
6. Perform tests by following physician instructions.  
   Core task · Task 22787 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
7. Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.  
   Core task · Task 22784 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
8. Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.  
   Core task · Task 22789 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
9. Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.  
   Core task · Task 22790 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
10. Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.  
   Core task · Task 22782 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
11. Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.  
   Core task · Task 22788 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
12. Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.  
   Core task · Task 22786 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
13. Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.  
   Core task · Task 22783 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
14. Supervise histology laboratory activities.  
   Core task · Task 22792 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
15. Teach students or other staff.  
   Core task · Task 22793 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024
16. Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.  
   Supplemental task · Task 22785 · Rated by 21 occupational experts, August 2024

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## Where this comes from

Quoted from O*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0: free to copy and reuse, with credit. Nothing on this page is written by the Org.AI Foundation.
