20 Questions
Microtomes, water bath, and Slidemate ______ are all documented.
maintenance
What supplies are necessary for sectioning paraffin-embedded tissue blocks?
A microtome, microtome blades, PPE, forceps, brush, marking pens, and pencil are necessary supplies.
True or false: The Technical Supervisor is responsible for monthly review of all Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance documents.
True
What is the standard thickness for paraffin embedded tissue sections?
4-5 microns
Pathologist will evaluate stain quality of the sections and complete a Quality Control for Histology Form if there are ______ in staining.
discrepancies
How many levels should be cut for a bladder biopsy?
3
What is the purpose of calibration of the microtome?
The calibration of the microtome is necessary for accurate sectioning.
True or false: Levels should be approximately 30 to 50 microns deep to the prior level when sectioning paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
False
What is the purpose of quality control?
To ensure the accuracy of the sections
What is the process for obtaining levels in a bladder biopsy?
Cut 3 levels for H&E staining and 2 unstained slides each at levels 1 and 2 for a total of 4 unstained slides.
True or false: Brain biopsy sections require 6 unstained slides.
True
Quality control is performed on a ______ basis to ensure the accuracy of the sections.
daily
Paraffin embedded tissue are routinely sectioned at ______ in thickness.
4-5 microns
Who is responsible for monthly review of all Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance documents?
The Technical Supervisor or designee is responsible for monthly review of all Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance documents.
What is the minimum number of unstained slides needed for a bone marrow aspirate/core biopsy?
10
True or false: Microtomes must be calibrated for accurate sectioning.
True
Who is responsible for monthly review of all Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance documents?
The Technical Supervisor
True or false: Competency assessment is conducted annually for histology technicians.
True
What is the recommended thickness for nerve histochemical staining?
Nerve histochemical staining is sectioned at 6-15 microns.
Nerve histochemical staining is sectioned at ______ in thickness.
6-15 microns
Study Notes
- The purpose of this procedure is to establish the process and guidelines to follow for routine and special sectioning of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
- The specimen for this procedure is paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
- A microtome, microtome blades, PPE, forceps, brush, marking pens, and pencil are necessary supplies.
- The calibration of the microtome is necessary for accurate sectioning.
- Quality control is performed on a daily basis to ensure the accuracy of the sections.
- The sectioning procedure is summarized in four steps: 1) establishing the process, 2) selecting the specimen, 3) sectioning the specimen, and 4) documenting the sectioning process.
- Microtomes, water bath, and Slidemate maintenance are all documented and preventive maintenance is performed annually or as needed.
- Pathologist will evaluate stain quality of the sections and complete a Quality Control for Histology Form if there are discrepancies in staining.
- Do not use any piece of equipment that does not meet the minimal maintenance/quality control standards until repaired/resolved.
- The Technical Supervisor or designee is responsible for monthly review of all Quality Control and Preventative Maintenance documents.
- Unstained slides are needed for pathology examination.
- Levels are obtained by cutting ribbons of tissue.
- Levels should be approximately 30 to 50 microns deep to the prior level.
- Additional levels protocol (ALP): Cut 6 levels for H&E staining and 3 unstained slides at level 4 for a total of 3 unstained slides.
- Bladder Biopsy: Cut 3 levels for H&E staining and 2 unstained slides each at levels 1 and 2 for a total of 4 unstained slides.
- Bone Marrow Aspirate/Core Biopsy: Cut 1 level for H&E staining on aspirate blocks. Cut 2 levels for H&E staining and 5 unstained slides each at level 1 and 2 for a total of 10 unstained slides.
- Brain Biopsy: Cut 1 level for H&E staining and 6 unstained slides.
- Bronchial Biopsy: Cut 2 levels for H&E staining and 5 unstained slides each level 1 and 2 for a total of 10 unstained slides.
- Cervical Biopsy: Cut 3 levels for H&E staining and 1 unstained slide after each level for a total of 3 unstained slides.
- Cornea: Cut 2 levels and 1 unstained slide for PAS-R.
- Cytology Cell Block: Cut 2 levels for H&E staining and 5 unstained slides after each level for a total of 10 unstained slides.
- Cytology Assisted Biopsy (CAB): Cut 2 levels for H&E staining and 5unstained slides at level 1 and 2 for a total of 10 unstained slides.
- Derm Alopecia: Cut 15 levels for H&E staining. Cut 2 unstained slides each after levels 3, 6, and 9 for a total of 6 unstained slides.
- Derm Shave/Punch: Cut 3 levels for H&E staining.
- Endocervical Biopsy: Cut 2 levels for H&E staining.
- Endocervical Curetting: Cut 2 levels and 1unstained slide at level 1.
- Endometrial Curetting and/or Biopsy: Cut 2 levels for H&E staining.
- Gastric Biopsy: Cut 3 levels for H&E staining and 1 unstained slide at level 2.
- Hirschsprung’s Disease: Trim excess paraffin around tissue, making the size of the cutting plane as small as possible. Cut 6 sections per slide for
- To obtain unstained slides, cut levels, and special stains protocols at 3-4 microns in thickness unless otherwise specified in a protocol or order comment.
- Obtain small biopsy levels on one slide.
- Each histology technician is expected to cut at least 20 blocks per hour, depending on the tissue type.
- Cut ‘RUSH’ cases first.
- Each histology technician must be complete initial training prior to working independently.
- Competency assessment is conducted at six months following initial training and then annually thereafter, after procedure or equipment changes, or extended absence from microtomy duties.
- Paraffin embedded tissue are routinely sectioned at 4-5 microns.
- Renal tissue is sectioned at 1-3 microns.
- Bone marrow tissue is sectioned at 2-3 microns.
- Nerve histochemical staining is sectioned at 6-15 microns.
- Amyloid demonstration is sectioned at 6-12 microns.
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