Histology/cytopathology Flashcards
What is used for histopathology (tissues)
Biopsies
Resection specimens
Frozen sections
Post-mortems
What is used for cytopathology (Cells)
Smears
Fine needle aspirates
What are the stains used for histopathology
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
What is done with the specimens for cytopathology
- Specimen must be properly labelled
- Fix in formalin – crosslinks proteins + slows decomposition
- Embed in paraffin wax
Cut sections (very thin) and stain
How long does a histopathology result take to reach the clinician
Frozen section: 30 minutes
For biopsies: 2-3 days
For resection specimens: 5-7 days
What do you look for in biopsies
Is it normal
Is it inflamed (and what is the cause)
Is it cancer (and what type)
What do you look for in resection specimens
How far has the cancer spread
Is all of it out
How are specific antigens identified
Using antibodies
Immunohistochemistry
Carry out molecular tests