Cambrian College

School of Health Sciences,

Nursing and Emergency Services
Course Outline

Course Title Histotechnology I

Course Code: MLT1028 Credit Value: 6 Credit Hours: 84

Programs: MDLY Medical Laboratory Technology

Equivalencies Prerequisites MLT1011 Corequisites

MLT1021
MLT1027
MLT1020

This course may be delivered in a variety of different formats: 100% in-class, 100% online (or a blend of both),
videoconferencing, distributed learning or off-campus. Please confirm with your faculty member which format will
be used for your section of this course.

General Education Course: Eligible for PLAR:

COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will be introduced to safety requirements while working in the clinical histology laboratory.
Students will gain basic knowledge and techniques involved with tissue preparation including; gross dissections,
tissue fixation, the effects of various fixatives on tissue structures, processing, embedding, microtomy, and
cryotomy. The learner will be introduced to the theory of staining and the routine Hematoxylin and Eosin staining
methodologies and troubleshooting techniques employed for the demonstration of both cellular and non-cellular
structures within tissue sections.

Date: June 04, 2020

Prepared By: Patricia Longpre

Approved by:
T KIM SHEPPARD
Chair, School Of Health Sciences,
Nursing And Emergency Services

Effective: Fall 2020, Winter 2021, Spring 2021

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RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

PROGRAM LEVEL

This course contributes to your program by allowing you to demonstrate the following vocational learning
outcomes:

Program(s) Vocational Learning Outcomes

Medical Laboratory Technology Accreditation Standards

1. Safe Work Practices: Conducts professional practice according to
established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation.
2. Data and Specimen Collection and Handling: Verifies relevant data and
ensures that appropriate specimens are collected and handled according to
established protocols.
3. Analytical Processes: Understands the principles and performs analytical
techniques and assesses results on a variety of specimens.
4. Interpretation and Reporting of Results: Uses scientific knowledge and skills
to interpret, document and report laboratory results according to established
protocols.
5. Quality Management: Practices and promotes the principles of quality
management.
6. Critical Thinking: Applies critical thinking skills to constructively investigate,
evaluate and problem solve.
7. Communication and Interaction: Interacts using effective communication,
teamwork skills and interprofessional collaboration with patient/clients and
other health care professionals.
8. Professional Practice: Meets the legal and ethical requirements of
practice and protects the patient's right to a reasonable standard of care.
Professional responsibility encompasses scope of practice, accountability,
and professional development.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Topics/Concepts Covered in This Course

• Safety
• Microtomy and Cryotomy
• Tissue Fixation
• Fixatives used in tissue fixation
• Tissue section preparation techniques
• Tissue processing
• Theory of Staining
• Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and troubleshooting techniques
• Informatics

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Cambrian College MLT1028 - Histotechnology I

COURSE LEVEL: Learning Outcomes and Objectives

To earn credit for this course, you must reliably demonstrate your ability to:

Learning Outcome Objectives Competency

Profile
1. Conduct professional practice according 1.1 Apply the principles of routine practices. CSMLS: 1.01,
to established protocols, safety guidelines, 1.2 Use of personal protective equipment, 1.02, 1.03,
and existing legislation. e.g. gloves, gowns, masks, face shields, 1.04, 1.05,
aprons. 1.06, 1.07,
1.08, 1.09,
1.3 Apply laboratory hygiene and infection 1.10, 1.11,
control practices. 1.12, 1.13,
1.4 Apply laboratory hygiene and infection 1.14, 1.15
control practices.
1.5 Use laboratory safety devices, e.g.
biological safety cabinet (BSC), fume
hoods, laminar flow cabinets, safety
pipetting devices, safety containers and
carriers, safety showers and eye wash
stations.
1.6 Label, date, handle, store, and dispose
of chemicals, dyes, reagents, and
solutions according to legislation, e.g.
WHMIS.
1.7 Handle and dispose of sharps
1.8 Store, handle, transport and dispose
of biological and other hazardous
materials according to legislation.
1.9 Use disinfection and sterilization
methods.
1.10 Minimize potential hazards related to
disinfection and sterilization methods.
1.11 Apply measures in response to
laboratory accidents/incidents.
1.12 Apply spill containment and cleanup
procedures for biological and other
hazardous materials.
1.13 Respond appropriately to workplace
emergencies.
1.14 Report and document all incidents
related to safety and personal injury.
1.15 Apply proper ergonomic principles to
minimize risk of injury.
2. Verify relevant data and ensures that 2.1 Verify that relevant information is CSMLS: 2.01,
appropriate specimens are collected provided for test request. 2.05, 2.10,
and handled according to established 2.11, 2.12
protocols.
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Learning Outcome
3. Perform analytical techniques, applies
principles and assesses results on a
variety of specimens.
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MLT1028 - Histotechnology I
Objectives Competency
Profile
2.2 Adhere to established protocols for
labeling and traceability of specimens.
2.3 Adhere to guidelines for specimen
retention, storage, transportation and
disposal.
2.4 Prepare specimens for analysis.
2.5 Identify, document and initiate corrective
action for pre-examination (pre-
analytical) errors.
3.1 Apply the principles of microscopy: CSMLS: 3.01,
a) bright field 3.02, 3.02.01,
b) fluorescence 3.13, 3.22,
c) polarizing 3.22.01, 3.23,
d) electron 3.23.01, 3.24,
3.2 Apply the physical and chemical 3.24.01
principles of staining.
3.3 Assess the quality of staining and
initiate corrective action if required.
3.4 Prepare blood, body fluids, and other
clinical specimens for microscopic
evaluation.
3.5 Perform tissue preparation techniques:
a) grossing
b) processing
c) embedding
d) sectioning (paraffin and frozen)
3.6 Assess the quality of the preparation
and initiate corrective action and/or
follow-up if required.
3.7 Perform techniques used to
demonstrate cellular and non-cellular
components in tissue and body fluids.
3.8 Operate and maintain standard
laboratory equipment/instruments.
3.9 Prepare reagents, calibrators,
standards, and quality control materials.
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Cambrian College
Learning Outcome
4. Use scientific knowledge and skills to
interpret, document and report laboratory
results according to established protocols.
5. Practice and promote the principles of
quality management.
6. Apply critical thinking skills to
constructively investigate, evaluate and
problem solve.
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MLT1028 - Histotechnology I
Objectives Competency
Profile
4.1 Recognize the relationship between CSMLS: 4.01,
analyses, diagnoses, clinical information 4.02, 4.03,
and treatment by assessing results on 4.05, 4.06
the basis of:
a) specimen integrity
b) reference values
c) critical values
d) method limitations, e.g. dynamic
ranges, interferences, specificity,
sensitivity
e) clinical conditions
f) other laboratory findings
4.2 Report results that meet quality control
criteria.
4.3 Identify unexpected or implausible
results and take appropriate action to
reporting.
4.4 Document results accurately.
4.5 Account for all tests requested
5.1 Follow established protocols as defined CSMLS: 5.02,
in policy, process and procedure 5.03, 5.05,
manuals. 5.06, 5.07
5.2 Assess quality control data.
5.3 Identify, document and report
deficiencies that may affect the quality
of testing.
5.4 Perform and document preventative
maintenance procedures according to
established protocols.
5.5 Recognize malfunctions in equipment/
instruments, initiate and document
corrective action.
6.1 Engage in reflective practice; stop CSMLS: 6.03,
and think about practice, consciously 6.04,6.05, 6.06
analyze decision making and draw
conclusions to improve future practice.
6.2 Organize work to accommodate
priorities.
6.3 Maximize efficient use of resources, e.g.
time, equipment, personnel.
6.4 Maximize efficient use of resources, e.g.
time, equipment, personnel.
6.5 Demonstrate effective problem solving/
troubleshooting strategies and initiate
appropriate follow-up.
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Cambrian College MLT1028 - Histotechnology I

Learning Outcome Objectives Competency

Profile
7. Interact using effective communication, 7.1 Practices effective communication with CSMLS: 7.01,
teamwork skills and inter-professional colleagues, patients/clients and other 7.02
collaboration with patients/clients and health care professionals: a) active
other health care professionals. listening
b) verbal communication
c) non-verbal communication
d) written communication
e) conflict management
f) identifying barriers to effective
communication
g) using technology appropriately to
facilitate communication.
7.2 Demonstrates effective teamwork skills.
8. Meet the professional responsibility 8.1 Recognize limitations of own CSMLS: 8.03,
to encompass scope of practice, competence and seek action to resolve. 8.05, 8.06,
accountability, and professional 8.2 Recognize potentially dangerous 8.12
development. situations and understand the right to
refuse unsafe work.
8.3 Take responsibility and is accountable
for professional actions.
8.4 Respect the diversity, dignity, values,
and beliefs of patients/clients and
colleagues.

Essential Employability Skills

Communication
• communicate clearly in written,
spoken, and visual form
that fulfills purpose/needs of
audience.
• respond to written, spoken,
or visual messages in a
manner that ensures effective
communication.
Numeracy
• execute mathematical
operations accurately.
Critical Thinking and Problem
Solving
• apply a systematic approach to
solve problems.
• use a variety of thinking skills to
anticipate and solve problems.

Information Management Interpersonal Personal

• locate, select, organize, and
document information using
appropriate technology and info
systems.
• analyze, evaluate, and apply
relevant information from a
variety of sources.
• show respect for the diverse
opinions, values, belief systems,
and contributions of others.
• interact with others in groups in
ways that contribute to effective
working relationships.
• manage the use of time and other
resources to complete projects.
• take responsibility for one’s
own actions, decisions, and
consequences.

Delivery Method
• Classroom: Course is delivered through scheduled synchronous teaching that may be face-to-face and/or virtual.

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Learning Activities
• Lectures
• Class Discussions
• Labs
• Self-Directed Learning
• In-Class Exercises

Resources Required
Books
Gene Shematek, Wayne Wood, Eoin O'Grady, Laboratory Safety CSMLS Guidelines, Eighth, CSMLS
ISBN: 9780921479345
Freida L Carson; Christa Hladik Cappellano, Histotechnology A Self Instructional Text, Fourth, ASCP
ISBN: 9780891896319
Leslie P Gartner, Color Atlas and Text of Histology, seventh, Wolters Kluwer
ISBN: 9781496346734
OPTIONAL
Additional Supplies
Safety goggles or safety glasses

Evaluation Plan
Grading Scheme
A 80% - 100%
B 70% - 79%
F 0% - 69%

Evaluation Method Value (%)

Quizzes/Test/Exam 80%

Term Test # 1: weighted at 20% (25/100)

Term Test # 2: weighted at 20% (25/100)

Quiz 1: 4% (5/100)
Quiz 2: 4% (5/100)

Comprehensive FINAL EXAM 32% (40/100)

Applied Activities(G) 20%

Practical Laboratory

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

College
Academic Policies
Students must adhere to all academic policies. These are available on myCambrian as well as the College website
at https://cambriancollege.ca/about/official-documents-and-policies/academic-policies/.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Students may contact the Pathways office at pathways@cambriancollege.ca
Transfer Credit
Students wishing to have courses from other programs or institutions assessed for equivalency and/or transfer credit
should contact transfercredits@cambriancollege.ca.
Accessibility Services
Cambrian is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where we support our students' success.
Students who are registered with the Glen Crombie Centre can access accessibility and/or counselling services by:

1. Registering and scheduling an appointment through Clockwork in the Student Portal in myCambrian.
2. Contacting 705-566-8101 ext. 7420 or 7311, or
3. E-mailing accessibilityservices@cambriancollege.ca
Testing Practices at Cambrian
Many courses include major tests and/or final exams. The practice at Cambrian requires that these types of test
situations involve proctoring to ensure academic integrity. Online tests/exams may employ a proctoring service
to enable you to take your exam from a location of your choosing within a period specified by your instructor.
When you are taking an online test/exam, the proctoring service may capture your video, screen, audio and web
surfing particulars to protect academic integrity. Cambrian College collects, uses, discloses and retains personal
information in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). Your personal
information is being collected under the authority of the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act
S.O. 2002, c.8, Sched. F. This information will be used for the purpose of administering a test/exam through an
online proctoring service acting as an authorized agent of the College. Please refer to Cambrian’s Confidentiality
of Student Records Policy for more details. If you have any questions regarding the collection of your personal
information, please contact Vice President Academic, Cambrian College, 1400 Barrydowne Rd., Sudbury ON P3A
3V8, 1-705-566-8101.
Wabnode Centre for Indigenous Services
Students are encouraged to come to Wabnode to meet our Elders and to access personal counselling or academic
tutoring. Our team will also be able to provide students with information related to funding and scholarship and
bursary opportunities for Indigenous students. We encourage students to come to Wabnode for cultural, sports and
community activities. Students can also contact Wabnode at wabnode@cambriancollege.ca
Copyright
Students may not submit work or partake in activities that infringe on the Canadian Copyright Act, or the related
Cambrian College Fair Dealing Guidelines and Copying Guidelines. The guidelines may be viewed at: http://
cambriancollege.libguides.com/copyrightinfo or by contacting the Library for questions related to copyright:
library@cambriancollege.ca
Out-of-Class Assistance
The faculty will inform students of their Out-of-Class availability through the Learning Management System site
(Moodle).

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Audio/Visual Capture
Sounds and images from this class, and contributions made by a participant, virtually or in-person, are recorded
under the authority of the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002. The main purpose for these
recordings is to allow students enrolled in this course, whether they attend the particular class in person, virtually, or
at all, to review class content and activity.

These recordings may also be reviewed by faculty members to prepare future classes, to evaluate students,
to collaborate in program/course development/review, or to provide feedback to students or other faculty. Any
questions about this collection may be addressed to your respective Dean.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity
Cambrian is committed to building and preserving an equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning community
where students, faculty, and staff may achieve their full potential in an environment characterized by equality of
respect and opportunity. All students and employees have the right to live and work in an environment that is free
from discrimination and harassment. Therefore, Cambrian College will not tolerate any form of discrimination or
harassment in its employment, education, accommodation, or business dealings. For more information, please visit:
https://cambriancollege.ca/about/official-documents-and-policies/equity-human-rights-and-accessibility/
Tests and Evaluations
Students are required to write tests and/or complete evaluations as scheduled. Exceptions may be made in the
event of an emergency or a sanctioned event (e.g., varsity sports, field trip, religious observances, etc.). In non-
emergency situations, students are expected to contact the faculty member in the event that they can not be present
for a test/evaluation to explain the reason for their absence. At the discretion of the faculty member, an alternate
time for the test/evaluation may be allowed.
Attendance
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged as it contributes to student success. Some courses have specific lab/
participation requirements. Students are expected to be aware of, and adhere, to these requirements.
Modifications to the Course Evaluation Plan
Under exceptional circumstances, Cambrian reserves the right to alter the Course Evaluation Plan. Upon approval
from the Dean, faculty members will notify students of any modification to the Course Evaluation Plan and post to
the course Learning Management System site (Moodle).

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