histology

• What is histology?

  The study of tissues and their function
• What is histopathology?

  The study of tissues affected by disease
• Why is histopathology important for diagnosing diseases?

  It provides accurate diagnostic information from patient tissue samples
• What types of diseases can be identified through histopathology?

  Infection, inflammation, and cancer
• Who interprets histopathology reports?

  A medically qualified practitioner known as a histopathologist
• What is the common fixative used for histopathology samples?

  Formalin-based fixative
• What must be labeled on samples transported to the histopathology department?

  Hazard warnings
• What legislation protects patient information accompanying histopathology specimens?

  The Data Protection Act 1998
• What must accompany each histopathology sample?

  A fully completed referral form
• How many items of identifying information are required on the referral form?

  A minimum of three items
• Who are the service users of histopathology specimens?

  Clinicians who assess the patients
• What are the two main types of specimens in histopathology?

  Biopsy and surgical specimen
• Why are most histopathological specimens considered irreplaceable?

  Lost samples can have serious consequences for the patient
• Who can agree to post-mortem examinations?

  The family of the deceased or a legal process
• What system is used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for post-mortem examinations?

  The Coroners’ system
• What must be done with retained tissue after a post-mortem examination?

  It must be disposed of by a route agreed by the family
• When was the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) established?

  In 2005
• What does the HTA regulate?

  Human tissues and their licensed activities
• What is the key principle of the Human Tissue Act 2004?

  Consent
• Is consent required to remove tissue from living patients for diagnosis?

  No, consent is not required for diagnostic purposes
• What are some hazards associated with chemicals in a histopathology laboratory?

  Toxic materials and physical risks from fire and explosion
• What is one control measure to minimize chemical exposure in the laboratory?

  Seek replacements of less toxic equivalents
• What is the first step in the sample journey in a histopathology laboratory?

  Specimen collection
• What is the final step in the sample journey in a histopathology laboratory?

  Reporting
• Who can work in a histopathology laboratory?

  Medical laboratory assistants, associate practitioners, and biomedical scientists
• What is the role of the IBMS?

  It is the professional body for the Biomedical Science profession
• What does the HCPC primarily focus on?

  Patient safety
• What does the Royal College of Pathologists supervise?

  A wide variety of professional standards in pathology
• What is the main focus of the learning objectives in histology specimen handling and fixation?

  Understanding the importance of fixation
• What is the role of a Biomedical Scientist in a histopathology laboratory?

  To receive, process, and prepare patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination
• What are the minimal acceptance criteria (MAC) for specimen collection?

  • Full surname
  • Full forename
  • One other identifier (date of birth, NHS number, hospital number)
  • Details of the sample (skin, bone, etc.)
• What is the sequence of the sample journey in a Histopathology laboratory?

  Specimen Collection → Dissection → Processing → Fixation → Embedding → Microscopy → Diagnosis
• Why is fixation necessary in histopathology?

  It preserves cells and tissues in a life-like state and prevents autolysis and putrefaction.
• What are the learning objectives of the histology course?

  • Define histology and histopathology
  • Explain the reasoning for histopathology specimens and its service users
  • Learn about the Human Tissue Authority
  • Understand the importance of health and safety
  • Be familiar with the sample journey in a histopathology laboratory
  • Discuss the role of a Biomedical Scientist in a histopathology laboratory
  • Identify the regulatory bodies for the Biomedical Science profession
• What are the safety measures required for transporting histopathology samples?

  • Samples must be labeled with hazard warnings
  • Transporters should be trained in handling formalin hazards
  • Robust safety measures must be in place to safeguard patient information
  • Patient information must be treated as confidential under the Data Protection Act 1998
• How does well-fixed tissue differ from poorly-fixed tissue in histopathology?

  Well-fixed tissue shows good nuclear and cytoplasmic morphology with minimal shrinkage, while poorly-fixed tissue shows inferior morphology with excessive shrinkage.
• What factors affect fixation in histopathology?

  • Temperature
  • Volume
  • pH and buffers
  • Osmolarity
  • Concentration
  • Duration
  • Size of specimen
  • Penetration rate
• What are the control measures for health and safety in a histopathology laboratory?

  • Minimize chemical exposure and seek less toxic alternatives
  • Ensure proper handling and disposal of chemicals
  • Maintain personal hygiene and wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Provide adequate ventilation and first aid facilities
  • Ensure proper storage and disposal of hazardous chemicals
• What are the steps in the sample journey in a histopathology laboratory?

  1. Specimen Collection
  2. Send specimen to Histology Lab
  3. Acceptance subject to details
  4. Fixation
  5. Embedding
  6. Microscopy
  7. Diagnosis
  8. Reporting
• What is the mechanism of action for coagulant/precipitating fixatives?

  They remove water from the cellular matrix, disrupting the 3D protein structure and precipitating the protein.