Anatomical Pathology

Question 1

Explain histopathology in your own words

Answer 1

The microscopic study of tissues to determine a disease

Question 2

List some hazards associated with working in a histopathology laboratory

Answer 2

Chemical: fixatives, stains, chemicals
Physical: Sharps, radiation
Biological: Cross infection

Question 3

Explain what a fixative does

Answer 3

A fixative alters tissues to prevent deterioration.

Preserves tissue in a lifelike state

Question 4

List some features of an ideal fixative

Answer 4

Will preserve tissue in a life like manner
Will not add artifact material to tissue
Will not swell or shrink tissue
Will be safe for user and environment
Has convenient shelf life and storage
Is economical

Question 5

What fixative/s can be used for cytology smears?

Answer 5

Fixation by protein coagulation

Question 6

List physical agents that can be used to assist in the fixation of tissues.

Answer 6

Microwave
Heat
Ultrasound

Question 7

True or false: Autolysis represents the changes to tissue that occur before fixation due to bacterial contamination

Answer 7

False. Autolysis is the release of lytic enzymes to self digest.

Question 8

What type of fixative is Neutral Buffered Formalin classed as?

Answer 8

Universal fixative

Question 9

Why is Formalin buffered to a neutral pH?

Answer 9

Its the best for fixation

Question 10

Chemical fixative in the Aldehyde group

Answer 10

Formaldehyde

Glutaraldehyde

Question 11

Chemical fixative in the Oxidising agents group

Answer 11

Osmium tetroxide

Potassium Dichromate

Question 12

Chemical fixative in the Protein Coagulant group

Answer 12

Ethanol

Methanol

Question 13

Chemical fixative in the Uncertain Mechanism group

Answer 13

Mercuric Chloride

Picric Acid

Question 14

What is the function of xylene in tissue processing?

Answer 14

Xylene removes the dehydration agent in the previous step of tissue processing

Question 15

Why is the histological section cut to approximately 5µm (Micrometers) thick?

Answer 15

They need to be thin enough for light microscopy

Question 16

List Method/s used for the collection of cytology samples

Answer 16

Exfoliative- passively shed epithelial cells
Abrasive- epithelial cells collected manually
Fine needle aspiration- sub epithelial and internal organ collection

Question 17

List some advantages and disadvantages of histopathology

Answer 17

Advantages - More information, no problem with adequate sampling

Disadvantages- Not outpatient procedure, slow collection, invasive, expensive

Question 18

Cytopathology Advantages and disadvantage

Answer 18

Advantages- Outpatient procedure, rapid collection, relatively non-invasive, accurate, inexpensive and low complication rate

Disadvantages- Less information than biopsy, adequate sampling can be problematic