Histology is the study of tissues which includes virtually any thing that is removed by surgery or biopsy.
After arriving in the laboratory, tissue samples are labelled by a unique number. Tissues are dehydrated and embedded in paraffin wax. The dehydration process takes place overnight. Blocks of paraffin with tissue are then cut into three-micron-thick sections using a special machine called a microtome. Thereafter, the individual sections are mounted on a glass microscope slide and then stained with the routinely applied hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining method. Then the slides are sent for examination by the pathologist, who prepares a report for each sample that is send to the involved clinician.
Frozen Tissue
Rapid preparation (15-20 minute turnaround time) of “frozen tissue” samples is a daily occurrence in the histology lab. A patient literally waits on the operating table for the results of this procedure. Tissue samples are frozen to a temperature of –20C. Frozen tissue sections can then be quickly prepared for examination by a pathologist. With this method patients are saved from undergoing additional surgeries as the results of this analysis are conveyed back to the surgeon within a short time.
Special Stainings
With special stainings we can make components visible not seen in the routinely performed staining method, for example: mucus, fungi.