Module information
Module details
- Title
- Introduction to Histopathology
- Type
- Rotation
- Module code
- S-H-R1
- Credits
- 10
- Phase
- 1
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Aim of this module
This module will introduce trainees to the clinical, scientific and technical aspects of histopathology. Trainees will follow a sample from receipt, preparation and through to reporting. Trainees will appreciate the quality assurance processes and requirements for working with fresh patient samples.
Work-based content
Training activities
# | Learning outcome | Training activity | Type | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
# 1 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a cancer multidisciplinary team meeting where the report from a malignant case is being discussed and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 2 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Shadow colleagues in Histopathology who are responsible for the preparation of biopsies and reflect on their role |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 3 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe the preparation of a resection specimen, from dissection to creation of slides and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 4 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Follow a patient sample from specimen receipt to authorisation of the final histopathology report and reflect on the journey |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 5 | Learning outcome 1,3,4,6 |
Training activities
Explore an innovation in histopathology and reflect on the impact this will have on practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 6 | Learning outcome 1,3,5,6 |
Training activities
Review the effect of professional and regulatory guidance in histopathology and reflect on how this guides practice |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 7 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe specimen microtomy and staining with H&E by hand and with an autostainer and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 8 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe specimen microtomy and staining with a relevant special stain and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 9 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Observe specimen microtomy and staining with a relevant immunohistochemical stain and reflect on the process |
Type OTA | Action View |
# 10 | Learning outcome 1,2,3,6 |
Training activities
Attend a meeting where quality and an incident relating to a sample is being discussed and reflect on the meeting |
Type OTA | Action View |
Assessments
Complete 1 Case-Based Discussion
Complete 1 DOPS or OCE
Direct Observation of Practical Skills Titles
- Apply appropriate infection control procedure for dealing with a fresh sample in histopathology.
- Cut a section from a resection case on a microtome.
- Perform an H&E stain by hand.
- Perform a special stain by hand.
- Perform an immunohistochemical stain.
- Coverslip an H&E slide by hand.
- Set up and use a light microscope with Köhler illumination.
Observed Communication Event Titles
- Gather a patient history relevant to the specialty from a patient, patient representative, or a member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Present the clinical history of a biopsy specimen, explaining the reasons for the biopsy and the clinical questions being asked.
Learning outcomes
# | Learning outcome |
---|---|
1 | Explore the contribution of Histopathology to patient care. |
2 | Identify the roles and relationships of the multidisciplinary team in Histopathology. |
3 | Describe the working practices of Histopathology. |
4 | Examine the impact of innovation in Histopathology. |
5 | Review the effect of legislation in Histopathology. |
6 | Compare and contrast the practice of Histopathology with other specialties. |
Clinical experiences
Activities
There is no clinical experiential learning associated with this module.
Academic content (MSc in Clinical Science)
Important information
The academic parts of this module will be detailed and communicated to you by your university. Please contact them if you have questions regarding this module and its assessments. The module titles in your MSc may not be exactly identical to the work-based modules shown in the e-portfolio. Your modules will be aligned, however, to ensure that your academic and work-based learning are complimentary.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will be able to:
- Critically analyse normal cellular morphology and the pathological changes associated with disease.
- Evaluate the receipt, processing and various staining methodologies applied to specimens for histopathological analysis and the preparation and interpretation of clinical diagnostic reports and their use in directing patient treatment.
- Critically discuss the application of quality assurance methodologies to histopathology.
Indicative content
- Normal and pathological cellular morphology.
- Introduction to tissue acquisition, dissection, processing and fixation – and their relevance to downstream processing.
- Theory and application of special staining and immunohistochemistry.
- Range of techniques and equipment used in a clinical histopathology laboratory.
- Quality management systems and UKAS.
- Role of histopathology as part of the multidisciplinary team.
- Role of professional organisations and support provided, e.g. qualifications, guidance etc.
Module assigned to
Specialties
Specialty code | Specialty title | Action |
---|---|---|
Specialty code SLS3-4-22 | Specialty title Histopathology [2022] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS4-3-23 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2023] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS4-3-22 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2022] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS3-4-23 | Specialty title Histopathology [2023] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS4-3-24 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2024] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS3-4-24 | Specialty title Histopathology [2024] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS4-3-25 | Specialty title Cancer Genomics [2025] | Action View |
Specialty code SLS3-4-25 | Specialty title Histopathology [2025] | Action View |