Table of Contents
General Protocols of Histopathology Laboratory: ................................................................... 2
1.
Quality Control: .......................................................................................................... 2
2.
Safety Protocols: ......................................................................................................... 2
3.
Specimen Handling: .................................................................................................... 2
4.
Fixation and Processing:.............................................................................................. 2
5.
Histology stain: ........................................................................................................... 3
6.
Microscopy and Analysis: ............................................................................................ 3
7.
Reporting: .................................................................................................................. 3
8.
Documentations: ......................................................................................................... 4
9.
Equipment Maintenance: ............................................................................................ 4
10.
Continuing Education: ............................................................................................. 4
11.
Ethical Considerations: ............................................................................................ 4
12.
Regulatory Compliance: .......................................................................................... 4
13.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): .................................................................. 4
14.
Quality Assurance Programs: .................................................................................. 4
15.
Training and Certification: ...................................................................................... 4
Reference: .......................................................................................................................... 5
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General Protocols of Histopathology Laboratory:
Histopathology labs follow specific protocols to ensure accurate and reliable results. These
protocols are often set by professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and institutions. Here
are some common protocols that histopathology labs typically follow:
1. Quality Control:
Establish rigorous quality control measures to maintain the accuracy and precision of
laboratory processes, including specimen handling, processing, staining, and microscopic
examination.
2. Safety Protocols:
Implement strict safety protocols to protect laboratory staff from exposure to hazardous
chemicals, biological materials, and infectious agents. This includes the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE), legitimate garbage removal of hazardous material, and upkeep of
a clean and sterile environment.
Figure 1: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
3. Specimen Handling:
Ensure proper identification, labelling, and tracking of tissue specimens from collection to
storage. Every specimen ought to be plainly named with patient data, source, and date. Prevent
cross-contamination or mislabelling.
4. Fixation and Processing:
Follow standardized procedures for tissue fixation and processing, which may involve formalin
fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and staining. These steps should be performed
accurately to ensure quality outcomes.
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Figure 2: Tissue Processing
5. Histology stain:
Histology stains that are used to color different structures within the cells. that are listed
below:
• Hematoxylin and Eosin stain.
• Giemsa stain.
• Crystal violet.
• Water blue.
• Toluidine blue.
• Nissl body.
• Alcian Blue.
• Congo Red.
• Masson’s trichrome stain
• Reticulin stain.
• Mucicarmine stain.
• Van Gieson’s stain.
• Gomori trichrome stain.
6. Microscopy and Analysis:
Skilled pathologists or laboratory professionals should carefully examine stained tissue
sections under a microscope to make diagnoses. Ensure an intensive examination of the slides.
7. Reporting:
Accurate and timely reporting of findings is crucial. Develop standardized report formet and
ensure clear correspondence with referring doctors for patient consideration.
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8. Documentations:
Accurate record keeping is essential, which may include specimen log, sample tracking,
processing records, staining protocols, examination records, patient and specimen data privacy,
security logs, incidents records, quality assurance records, training records, retention periods,
data backup and recovery, disposal records. Powerful records keeping isn't just fundamental
for keep up with the trustworthiness of histopathology lab tasks but at the same time is
significant for patient consideration, quality control, and consistence with administrative and
authorization principles.
9. Equipment Maintenance:
Regularly maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and staining
machines, to guarantee accurate outcomes.
10. Continuing Education:
Pathologists and laboratory staff should engage in continuous education and professional
development to stay updated with the most recent advancements in histopathology.
11. Ethical Considerations:
Adhere to ethical standards, including patient confidentiality, informed consent for research,
and responsible use of patient data.
12. Regulatory Compliance:
Comply with local, national, and international regulations and accreditation requirements
specific to the region and type of laboratory.
13. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
Develop and follow standardized operating procedures for all laboratory processes to ensure
consistency and quality.
14. Quality Assurance Programs:
Participate in quality assurance programs and external quality assessments to validate the
laboratory's performance and accuracy.
15. Training and Certification:
Ensure that laboratory staff are properly trained and certified in their respective roles and
responsibilities.
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Reference:
➢ Chapter 11: Mitchell, Richard Sheppard; Kumar, Vinay; Abbas, Abul K.; Fausto, Nelson
(2007). Robbins Basic Pathology. Philadelphia: Saunders. ISBN 978-1-4160-2973-1. 8th edition.
➢ Maximow, Alexander A.; Bloom, William (1957). A textbook of Histology (Seventh ed.).
Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company.
➢ Bancroft, John; Stevens, Alan, eds. (1982). The Theory and Practice of Histological
Techniques (2nd ed.). Longman Group Limited.
➢ Titford, Michael; Bowman, Blythe (2012). "What May the Future Hold for
Histotechnologists?". LaboratoryMedicine. 43 (suppl2):e5e10. doi:10.1309/LMXB668WDCBIA
WJL. ISSN 0007-5027.
➢ Slaoui, Mohamed; Fiette, Laurence (2011). "Histopathology Procedures: From Tissue Sampling to
Histopathological Evaluation". Drug Safety Evaluation. Methods in Molecular Biology. Vol. 691.
pg. 69–82.
➢ Wick, Mark R. (2019). "The haematoxylin and eosin stain in anatomic pathology—An oftenneglected focus of quality assurance in the laboratory". Seminars in Diagnostic
Pathology. 36 (5):pg: 303–311.
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