A Career As A Histological Technician

All surgical specimens are sent to the histology laboratory for analysis.  Sometimes, the patient requires immediate answers while still in surgery.  In such instances, the histology technician must work quickly under pressure to freeze, section and stain biopsies so the pathologist can discuss the findings with the patient's surgeon.  

One of the primary functions of the histology lab is the diagnosis of cancer and how far it has spread if the cancer is found to be malignant.  In addition, various types of diseases and infections are detected which determine the best course of treatment for the patient.  The histologist also plays a major role in the follow-up care of many patients who suffer from chronic illnesses or have transplanted organs.    

The histologic technician works with a team of other health professionals and has minimal direct patient contact.  One works with instruments to process, embed, and section tissue onto microscopic slides.  Thereafter, the technician safely handles chemicals and dyes to perform tests on the sections to demonstrate pathological changes.  Consequently, he or she must value precision and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.  Finally, histologists maintain high standards by participating in continuing education seminars to further their professional development.