Histology Technicians — Tasks

Task statements

• Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
• Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
• Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
• Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
• Freeze tissue specimens.
• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
• Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.