Histopathology Techniques: Reception & Selection

Histopathology Techniques: Reception & Selection

• Specimen reception is crucial for establishing criteria for handling and recording specimens.
• A separate, well-ventilated and lit room is needed for specimen reception, acting as a buffer between lab staff and other visitors.
• This room must be equipped with easily cleaned benches, adequate lighting, good ventilation, safety equipment, disinfectants, and protective clothing.
• Specimens must be delivered to the lab immediately after collection and stored in suitable fixatives.

Specimen Requirements: Request Form

• The request form must contain accurate patient information (name, age, date of birth, sex), clinical history, date and time of collection, type of specimen, and the requesting physician's name.
• The request form should also include the number of specimens.

Specimen Requirements: Specimen Container

• Specimen containers must be labeled with the correct patient information matching the request form.

Specimen Registration

• Lab number (or code) is assigned to the specimen following specimen acceptance in reception.

Specimen Identification

• Specimen identification typically uses the year with a sequential number (e.g., 215-24).
• Multiple specimens from the same patient on the same day get a single lab number.

Specimen Selection

• Selection is the second step after reception, choosing a representative portion of a larger specimen.
• Macroscopic description (size, shape, colour, weight, texture, cut surface appearance) is essential for diagnostic purposes.

Selection Room Contents

• The selection room should include a cutting board (non-absorbent), forceps, scalpels/knives/saws, ink/dye, cassettes, weighing scales, pencil, and ruler.

Specimen Dissection: Small Samples

• Small samples (biopsies) are typically processed without dissection.
• They are wrapped in paper to prevent loss or damage during processing.
• Eosin can be used to mark small samples on the background of the paper.

Specimen Dissection: Larger Samples

• Large and intermediate specimens need detailed description.
• Measurements (width and depth) of lesions need recording along with details like: nodule, ulcer, papule, color, distance to margins.
• Serial sections (using Indian ink or similar) are often necessary to show orientation & boundaries.

Labeling Specimens

• Intermediate and large specimens are labeled with a shared lab number.
• Labeling should be either numerical or using a bar code.

Test your knowledge on the essential techniques for specimen reception and selection in histopathology. This quiz covers specimen handling, the importance of accurate request forms, and proper labeling procedures. Ensure you're familiar with the necessary requirements for a successful histopathological examination.