Histology/cytopathology Flashcards

1
Q

What is used for histopathology (tissues)

A

Biopsies
Resection specimens
Frozen sections
Post-mortems

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2
Q

What is used for cytopathology (Cells)

A

Smears

Fine needle aspirates

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3
Q

What are the stains used for histopathology

A
Haematoxylin and eosin (H+E). Haematoxylin stains nuclei blue and eosin the cytoplasm pink.
Silver nitrate – fungi
Gram – bacteria 
Ziehl-Neelson – Tuberculosis bacilli 
Papanicolaou – cervical smears
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4
Q

What is done with the specimens for cytopathology

A
  1. Specimen must be properly labelled
  2. Fix in formalin – crosslinks proteins + slows decomposition
  3. Embed in paraffin wax
    Cut sections (very thin) and stain
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5
Q

How long does a histopathology result take to reach the clinician

A

Frozen section: 30 minutes
For biopsies: 2-3 days
For resection specimens: 5-7 days

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6
Q

What do you look for in biopsies

A

Is it normal
Is it inflamed (and what is the cause)
Is it cancer (and what type)

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7
Q

What do you look for in resection specimens

A

How far has the cancer spread

Is all of it out

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8
Q

How are specific antigens identified

A

Using antibodies
Immunohistochemistry
Carry out molecular tests

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