Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology

Module details

Title

Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology

Type

Rotation

Module code

SLS300

Credits

10

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of histology as applied to clinical medicine. They will be expected to apply this knowledge and understanding in the workplace as they use a range of histological techniques and gain experience of interpreting results from patient investigations.

Competencies

#	Learning outcome	Competency	Action
# 1	Learning outcome 1,5	Competency Receive, label and store of a wide range of histopathology specimens.	Action View
# 2	Learning outcome 1	Competency Prepare and use a microtome on a range of tissue samples within different embedding materials.	Action View
# 3	Learning outcome 2	Competency Apply the haematoxylin and eosin staining technique to a variety of tissue samples.	Action View
# 4	Learning outcome 2	Competency Select the appropriate tinctorial and/or histochemical staining techniques required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material.	Action View
# 5	Learning outcome 2	Competency Select the appropriate impregnation techniques required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control	Action View
# 6	Learning outcome 3	Competency Set up and use light microscopy at various magnifications in the investigation of a range of tissue specimens.	Action View
# 7	Learning outcome 4	Competency Select the appropriate enzyme histochemical techniques required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material.	Action View
# 8	Learning outcome 4	Competency Select the appropriate immunohistochemical and/or immunofluorescence techniques and antibodies to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material.	Action View
# 9	Learning outcome 4	Competency Select the appropriate molecular techniques, markers and reagents required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material.	Action View
# 10	Learning outcome 1,2,3,4	Competency Produce a basic interpretative report on histopathology investigations.	Action View
# 11	Learning outcome 1,2,5	Competency Control infection risks in accordance with departmental protocols.	Action View
# 12	Learning outcome 1,2,5	Competency Minimise risks and hazards in compliance with health and safety policies.	Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

• 1 case-based discussion(s)
• 1 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:

Label and storage of a wide range of histopathology specimens	DOPS
Select and use decalcifying agents on appropriate specimens	DOPS
Prepare and use a microtome on a range of tissue samples within different embedding materials	DOPS
Perform Haematoxylin and eosin staining technique on a variety of tissue samples	DOPS
Set up and use light microscopy at various magnifications in the investigation of a range of tissue specimens	DOPS

Learning outcomes

1. Receive, prepare and process specimens for histopathological investigation. To include dissection, tissue selection cutting, fixation and staining, as appropriate.
2. Select the appropriate demonstration technique in the investigation of representative histopathology specimens.
3. Use microscopic examination techniques to investigate histopathological specimens.
4. Recognise normal cellular morphology of representative tissues and organs and common pathobiological processes associated with them.
5. Comply with quality assurance processes associated with histopathological investigations.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe and recognise normal the cellular morphology of specified tissues and organs and relate these to the pathobiological processes associated with them.
2. Describe the receipt, preparation and processing of specimens for histopathological diagnosis.
3. Describe the appropriate demonstration technique as part of the diagnostic process.
4. Explain and evaluate microscopical examination techniques.
5. Describe and evaluate the application of quality assurance methodologies to histopathology.
6. Discuss the purpose and process of preparation and interpretation of clinical diagnostic reports.
7. Discuss the partnership of histopathology with other clinical specialisms in histological investigation and contribution to patient care.

Indicative content

• Normal cellular morphology and ultrastructure of specified tissues and organ systems, including skin, building on basic anatomy and physiology
• Introduction to tissue preparation techniques
• Specimen acquisition, viability, collection and delivery
• Principles and practice of fixation
  • Principles of specimen dissection and block selection
  • Tissue processing and embedding techniques
  • Pre-treatment, e.g. decalcification
  • Macrophotography
• Introduction to demonstration techniques and their rationale and hazards
  • Haematoxylin and eosin
  • Special stains to identify individual tissue/cellular components, e.g. connective tissues, nucleic acids, mucins, lipids, pigments
  • Histochemical techniques
  • Immunocytochemistry
  • Molecular diagnostics
  • Electron microscopy
• Microscopy principles and practice
  • Microtomy, cryotomy, ultramicrotomy
• Quality assurance
  • Artefacts
• Basic principles of pathobiology, to include inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, atrophy, metaplasia and apoptosis

Activities

• Participate in multidisciplinary review meetings at which histopathology results are presented as part of the clinical record. Reflect and report on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to patient investigation, treatment and management.
• Review, discuss and report on the application of the range of histochemical, immunocytochemical and molecular techniques available in the training department.
• Observe, review and discuss the application and interpretation of quality assurance methodologies in Histopathology.
• Discuss, with practitioners, the preparation and reporting of FRCPath category A, B and C specimens.
• Undertake activities that demonstrate the partnership between the histopathology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of disease. Reflect on your experiences and the implications for patient investigation, treatment and care