Assignment Task

Tissue Processing

Question 1:

Describe two (2) hazards associated with tissue fixation and three (3) hazards associated with tissue processing. For each hazard, explain how the risks associated with the hazard can be reduced.

Question 2: 

Describe two factors that can affect the “quality and time” of tissue decalcification. In your answers, explain how the hazards affect the decalcification process.

Tissue Embedding

Question 3:

1. Outline the procedures you carried out from collecting the processed tissue to producing the paraffin wax tissue block 
2. Describe three hazards you encountered and the precautions you took to minimise the risk of harm from the hazard
3. Insert a photo of your tissue block

Paraffin Embedding Tissue Sectioning

Question 4:

Describe four factors that affect the quality of tissue sections and explain how to resolve them. Include photo of your microtomy/sectioned slide

Tissue Section Staining

Routine H & E and other stains

Tick the tissue (liver or intestine) you sectioned and the stain you used, then answer the questions that follow.

Table 1: Options of tissue staining performed.

Question 5: 

1. Explain the concept and significance of quality control in histopathology staining 
2. Describe four potential problems in staining including possible causes and solutions 
3. Insert images of your ‘routine H&E’ slides as viewed through the microscope

Question 6:

Frozen section rapid H&E stain – further questions!

1. Outline four situations that may warrant processing a sample by the frozen section method; and briefly explain rationale for each situation
2. Compare and contrast the routine stain with the rapid stain used for frozen sections.
3. Insert images of your ‘rapid H&E’ stained slide of your frozen section as viewed through the microscope

Microscopy On Stained Cytology Slides

Question 7: 

Examine the stained slides under the microscope: You may use texts or online resources to help you complete the following.

1. Draw and accurately label the different cell types present in either the buccal or impression smear stain .
2. Explain the principle why the nucleus retained haematoxylin or eosin.
3. Insert images of your stained slides (buccal and impression smears) as viewed through the microscope

Question 8:

Routine H & E and other stains

1. Complete the table below based on your microscopy observations