Histopatholgy and Cytopatholgy Flashcards
what is the use of Biopsies?
check for normality
inflammation
cancer and type
what is the turnaround for biopsy?
2-3 days
what is the use of resection specimens?
check for metastases
what is the turnaround for resection specimens (not emergency, use for study)?
5-7 days
what is the use of frozen sections?
done by histopathologist
done rapidly during surgery for quick diagnosis for
example:cancer incision surgery
what is the turnaround of frozen sections?
20-30 minutes
what is the difference between a hospital post-mortem and a coroner’s post mortem?
family give permission
state ordered with no family permission required
how are sections obtained and used?
o Obtaining – fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax – thin slices can then be cut.
o Use – we can STAIN them, identify specific ANTIGENS (using antibodies) and carry out molecular tests.
what work is done in cytopathology?
done on cells
o Smears – such as cervical screening.
o Fine-needle aspirations (FNA).
cytopathology
diagnosis made on cells (therefore less invasive)
- specimens
- sputum
- body fluids
- cervical smears
- fine needle aspirates
what must be used to “fix” specimens for histopathology ?
formalin
stabilises protein bonds to prevent autolysis
when will large specimens reach the clinician?
2-3 days
take into account fixation (longer for large or fatty)
when will small specimens reach the clinician?
24 hours
when is a specimen needing rapid diagnosis returned to the clinician?
4-5 hours to rapid process
when is a frozen section used?
for very rapid processing e.g. mid-surgery
- no fixative added
- small sample selected and frozen rapidly
- fixed rapidly and stained with haemotoxylin and eosin
- response in 20 minutes
