Histopathology

People who work in histology laboratories are called

histotechnicans, histotechnologists, or histology
technicians. These people prepare the samples for
analysis. Histopathologists, also known as
pathologists, study and analyze the samples.

The technician will use special skills to process

samples of biological tissues. The tissues may
come from:

 patients seeking a diagnosis

 suspects in a crime, if it is a forensic lab
 the body of a person who has died

The process involves:

1. trimming samples and applying solutions to

preserve them
2. removing any water, replacing it with paraffin
wax, and putting the sample in a wax block to
make it easier to slice
 3. slicing the tissue thinly and mounting the slices
on slides
4. applying stains to make specific parts visible

Next, a histopathologist examines the cells and

tissues and interprets what they see. Others can
use the histopathologist’s findings to decide on the
best course of treatment or help determine how a
death, illness, or crime occurred.

To become a histotechnologist in the United States,

a person needs certification from the American
Society for Clinical Pathology. They can start by
taking a degree that includes math, biology, and
chemistry, then getting onsite experience. Or, a
person can attend an accredited histology program.
Higher qualifications are also available.

To become a pathologist, a person usually needs a

degree from a medical school, which takes 4
years to complete, plus 3–7 years of internship and
residency programs.

Studying anatomy
Most people working in healthcare have had
training in gross anatomy and histology.

Paramedics, nurses, physical therapists,

occupational therapists, medical doctors,
prosthetists, and biological scientists all need a
knowledge of anatomy.