A histotechnician prepares and stains microscope slides for disease diagnosis, preserving tissue and organ samples as close to their natural state as possible. They work in various laboratory settings and must complete a two-year course with clinical experience and theoretical work. Licensing may be required in some states.
A histotechnician specializes in the preparation and staining of microscope slides used in the diagnosis of disease. Normally, the histotechnician prepares these slides, but does not perform the actual microscopic examination and diagnosis; that part of the process is reserved for a pathologist. Also known as histological technologists, the people who work in these scientific papers play an important role in the diagnostic processes, as they need to be knowledgeable about many different sample preparation methods and be able to quickly decide on the best way to preserve tissues.
Histology is a science that is concerned with the structure of cells and tissues and how they are organized to form organs. The role of the histotechnician is to use his specialist knowledge to preserve tissue and organ samples in a state as close as possible to their natural formation. This is not always easy, as there are many different ways to preserve cells from tissues and stains to enhance diagnostic features.
To prepare a single microscope slide for examination, the histotechnician first freezes the tissue sample and then cuts it into wafer-thin slices. Slices of tissue are mounted on a microscope slide, and the technician chooses a variety of different dyes that are used to stain the tissue so it can be seen under a microscope. Choosing the right dye is a crucial issue, as different types of cells and tissues require different types of staining to make them visible.
Histotechnicians can work in a wide variety of laboratory settings, including hospitals, for-profit diagnostic laboratories, public health clinics, and even industrial settings. Many people choose to specialize in human tissue and work in medical jobs, but others may specialize in marine biology, veterinary science, or other fields. For technicians working in hospital laboratories in particular, the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure is a crucial skill, as they are often called upon to prepare slides of tissue from a patient who is still in surgery, with the surgeon waiting a diagnosis. before deciding how to proceed.
In the United States, a histotechnician must complete at least a two-year course that includes classes in histology. For US applicants, training will also include clinical experience in a hospital laboratory and theoretical work, but requirements may vary in Canada, the UK and other countries around the world. Some states also require individuals to be licensed before they can get a job. These types of science careers are ideal for people who would like to work in medical jobs but don’t want to spend the four or more years required to earn a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
