Other types of fixatives may be used depending on the type of specimen or the cellular characteristics that need to be enhanced. This preserves the cellular architecture and also allows the tissue to survive the processing that comes next. Tissue Preparationīiopsies and samples of tissue removed from organs are usually placed in formalin (diluted formaldehyde), which “fixes” the tissue by cross-linking proteins. Then, smaller samples are taken for definitive microscopic evaluation. These specimens are examined as a whole (grossly) for size, shape, color, and/or presence of any external abnormalities.
The pathology laboratory also receives large whole organs, or parts of organs, removed during surgery, such as a uterus after a hysterectomy, the large bowel after a colectomy, or an amputation of an arm or leg. These are called “excisional” biopsies and examination of the adjacent, uninvolved margins helps to verify that the affected area has been completely removed. Other biopsies may include the entire affected area, such as a skin mole. These are called “incisional” biopsies and additional surgery or treatment may be recommended after the diagnosis is made. Most biopsies are small samplings of the area of the body in which disease is suspected. These may be small pieces of tissue obtained from a part of the body using a technique called biopsy or samples taken from whole organs or parts of organs removed during surgery. Histopathology involves the examination of sampled tissues under the microscope. (For more on this, see our information page on Forensic Pathology and Autopsies.) Histopathology: Biopsies and Examination of Tissues Consent from next of kin is not required for such medico-legal autopsies. If the cause of death is suspicious or related to an illegal activity, the autopsy will be performed by a forensic pathologist. The physician will seek consent from the family to have an autopsy performed. An autopsy may be performed after a person has died of an illness that could not, for whatever reason, be properly or fully diagnosed before death. Technologists often screen preparations and report results but, in many cases, the pathologist gives the definitive diagnosis to the health care practitioner.Īnatomic pathologists are also involved in performing post-mortem examinations (autopsies). A common cytology test is the cervical Pap smear. Cytopathology (cytology), which is the examination of single cells or small groups of cells from scrapings or aspiration of fluid or tissue under the microscope.
This is often aided by the use of special staining techniques and other associated tests, such as using antibodies to identify different components of the tissue.
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