[Histonet] Grossing tech qualifications

[Vickroy, James]

a.       We are experiencing trouble finding another tech that will meet CLIA high complexity testing standards as well as has histotechnician training.   Also the qualifications for who can gross is a little vague so I wanted to see if anyone has any information that would help me.  A summary of the grossing qualifications are listed below.   In the past we have hired applicants with bachelor's degrees in biology and then trained them in histotechnology.   We also went through the 90 day inhouse training for grossing.   My questions have to do with a clarification regarding those with an associate's degree.     I have an applicant that has an associate's degree in science with an emphasis on microbiology.     My question has to do with the language  "An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology" .   How can I determine what that exactly means?   Would a person with an associate's degree in science with an emphasis in microbiology qualify?  I'm not sure she has the sixty hours total.

Qualifications of a technician for performing gross descriptions and preparation for tissue processing under the direct or indirect supervision of a pathologist include:

b.       An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology,
Obtained from an accredited institution, OR

c.       Education/training equivalent to the above that includes at least 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution.  This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, or 24 semester hours of science courses that includes 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination. In addition, the individual must have laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, the CAHEA, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least 3 months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.

I would appreciate any understanding that others might have.

Jim



Jim Vickroy
Histology Manager
Springfield Clinic, Main Campus, East Building
1025 South 6th Street
Springfield, Illinois  62703
Office:  217-528-7541, Ext. 15121
Email:  jvickroy at SpringfieldClinic.com<mailto:jvickroy at SpringfieldClinic.com>



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