Where do histotechs work?The majority of histotechs work in the operating room of hospitals or private histotechnology labs, preparing tissue for examination by the pathologist. They can also work in research facilities, veterinary pathology, marine biology, some doctor’s offices, pharmaceuticals, and forensic pathology.
What types of instruments do histotechs use?
Histotechs must know how to use specific instruments to perform certain techniques. There are hundreds of different antibodies and special kinds of stains histotechs use for embedding. The more commonly used instruments include:
- Microtone—This is a machine with a handle that when turned causes the specimen to move. The microtone also is used to cut tissue sections.
- Embedder—This machine is used to embed the tissue into wax so it is able to be cut on the microtone.
- Water bath—This is used to float the tissue and remove the wrinkles. Tissue is then dried in the oven before preparing it on a slide.
- Automatic stainer—this is a robotic machine that stains slides.
- Tissue processor—turns tissue from raw to hard so it can last forever, rather than decaying.