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Histopathology services involve the examination of tissue specimens under a microscope to diagnose diseases and study the structural changes within tissues. Here are some common histopathology services provided by diagnostic centers and pathology laboratories:
Tissue processing involves the preparation of tissue specimens for histological analysis. This includes specimen fixation, embedding in paraffin wax, sectioning into thin slices (usually 4-6 micrometers thick), and mounting onto glass slides.
H&E staining is the most widely used histological staining technique. It involves staining tissue sections with hematoxylin (which stains cell nuclei blue) and eosin (which stains cytoplasm and extracellular structures pink), allowing for visualization of tissue architecture and cellular morphology.
Special stains are used to highlight specific tissue structures, cell types, or pathological features that may not be visible with routine H&E staining. Examples include stains for connective tissue (e.g., Masson's trichrome), mucins (e.g., Alcian blue), microorganisms (e.g., Gram stain), and minerals (e.g., von Kossa stain).
Immunohistochemistry involves using antibodies to detect specific proteins within tissue sections. This technique is used to characterize cell types, identify tumor markers, assess hormone receptor status, and diagnose certain diseases such as cancer. IHC staining produces specific color reactions, allowing visualization of protein expression patterns under the microscope.
FISH is a molecular cytogenetic technique used to detect specific DNA sequences within tissue sections. It is commonly used for gene mapping, chromosome analysis, and detecting chromosomal abnormalities associated with genetic diseases and cancer.
Frozen section analysis involves the rapid freezing of tissue specimens and the preparation of thin frozen sections for immediate examination under a microscope. This technique is often used during surgical procedures to obtain real-time diagnostic information and guide treatment decisions.
Digital pathology involves scanning histological slides to create high-resolution digital images that can be viewed and analyzed on computer screens. Digital pathology platforms enable remote consultation, image storage, image analysis, and the integration of histopathology data with other clinical information.
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