Module details
Module title: SLS300 Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology
Aim: This module will provide trainees with the knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of Histopathology as applied to clinical medicine.
Scope: Trainees will use a range of histological techniques and gain experience of interpreting results from patient investigations.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module the trainee will:
- Receive, prepare and process specimens for histopathological investigation. To include dissection, tissue selection cutting, fixation and staining as appropriate.
- Select the appropriate demonstration technique in the investigation of representative histopathology specimens.
- Use microscopic examination techniques to investigate histopathological specimens.
- Recognise normal cellular morphology of representative tissues and organs and common pathobiological processes associated with them.
- Comply with quality assurance processes associated with histopathological investigations.
Resources for self-directed learning
- RCPath ‘Tissue pathways for gynaecological pathology’ teaching at MMU
Suggestions for self-directed learning
Module title | Competence title | Knowledge and skills | Suggestions |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 1 |
Receive, label and store of a wide range of histopathology specimens. | Curriculum Library competency details | Describe how to receive, prepare and process samples.
Understand reasons for sample rejection and the methods of sampling and processing for different tissue / cell types. Examples from RS: How to prepare samples sent to histology e.g. testicular or endometrial biopsy and how these samples are processed and examined. Understand how the sample is obtained from the patient, types of fixative used, sample labelling and request form prior to sending the sample. Describe the staining used for the sample. Visit a histopathology laboratory e.g. NHS department, private provider (The Doctor’s Laboratory). |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 2 |
Prepare and use a microtome on a range of tissue samples within different embedding materials. | Curriculum Library competency details | Self-directed learning
You Tube videos Visit a laboratory Taught courses |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 3 |
Apply the haematoxylin and eosin staining technique to a variety of tissue samples. | Curriculum Library competency details | Describe and illustrate the major histological features of the male and female reproductive systems; how are samples obtained, fixed, processed and examined and what pathologies that relate to reproductive health can be identified through these investigations.
Show how appropriate staining and impregnation techniques are used to identify spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells in seminiferous tubule. Identify germinal epithelium, primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, cortical stroma, corpus luteum in the ovary. Identify granulosa cells and the cells and cumulus oophorous in the follicle. Show how histopathology can detect and diagnose disease, disease progression or response to treatment. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 4 |
Select the appropriate tinctorial and/or histochemical staining techniques required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material. |
Curriculum Library competency details | |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 5 |
Select the appropriate impregnation techniques required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material. | Curriculum Library competency details | |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 6 |
Set up and use light microscopy at various magnifications in the investigation of a range of tissue specimens. | Curriculum Library competency details | Self-directed learning on microscope types and optical principles.
Demonstrate understanding in own laboratory Understand the types of microscopes used to examine histology samples. Self-directed learning – understand differences and similarities with RS. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 7 |
Select the appropriate enzyme histochemical techniques required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material. | Curriculum Library competency details | See also Competency 1, learning outcome 4 (Cytology) – combine your learning across both Cytology and Histopathology. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 8 |
Select the appropriate immunohistochemical and/or immunofluorescence techniques and antibodies to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material. | Curriculum Library competency details | See also Competency 1, learning outcome 5 (Cytology) – combine your learning across both Cytology and Histopathology.
Immunofluorescence methodology in reproductive science research and practice e.g. DNA integrity. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 9 |
Select the appropriate molecular techniques, markers and reagents required to demonstrate a specific disease process using appropriate control material. | Curriculum Library competency details | Self-directed learning
Summarise the future of molecular techniques with specific reference to applications for Reproductive Medicine and personalised medicine e.g. Endometrial Receptivity Assay. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 10 |
Produce a basic interpretative report on histopathology investigations. | Curriculum Library competency details | Evaluate the report findings of the histological examination of testicular /endometrial tissue.
Relate the report to the clinical options for management of the patient including further investigations that could be considered. Describe the normal cells observed and their function from ovarian and testicular biopsies. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 11 |
Control infection risks in accordance with departmental protocols. | Curriculum Library competency details | Self-directed learning – understand differences and similarities with RS. |
SLS300
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Histology Competency 12 |
Minimise risks and hazards in compliance with health and safety policies. | Curriculum Library competency details | Self-directed learning – understand differences and similarities with RS. |