PP: Introduction To Pathology Flashcards
Name 4 different pathology disciplines.
- Chemical pathology
- Haematology
- Immunology
- Medical Microbiology
What is the difference between histology and cytology?
Histology involves core biopsies whereas cytology involves fine needle aspirates.
Histology or Cytology?
Often therapeutic as well as diagnostic.
H: I.e. If you cut out a whole cancerous section
Histology or Cytology?
Faster and cheaper.
C
Histology or Cytology?
Can provide information on completeness of excision and more complete information on grading and staging.
H
Histology or Cytology?
Non invasive.
C
Histology or Cytology?
Higher inadequate and error rates.
C
What information can be obtained from a tissue microscopy examination?
- Diagnosis
- Information of completeness of excision
- Info on grading and staging
- Primary or secondary
- Which treatments may be most effective
True or false: there is a component of subjectivity in histopathology?
True
What is used in order to prevent autolysis of the cells and tissues once the blood supply of the sample is cut off?
Fixatives
Name an example of a fixative.
Formalin
How do fixatives work?
- inactivate tissue enzymes
- prevent bacterial growth
- harden tissue
What is used in order to get the tissue sample hard enough to be able to take very thin slices?
The tissue has to be surrounded and impregnated with a hardening agent such as paraffin wax.
How is tissue removed from a sample before hardening?
Alcohol draws water out of the cells then xylene removes the alcohol. Paraffin can mix with the wax.
How are thin sections cut during microscopy slide preparations?
Microtome
