Laboratory Manual in HISTOPATH

ACTIVITY 1
INSTRUMENTATION
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this activity, the student should be able to:

● discuss the uses of the different apparatus and instruments used in Histopathology section;

● discuss the parts and functions of the automatic tissue processor;

● explain the importance of automatic tissue processor.

Materials:

Tissue processors
Microtome
Water bath
Staining jar
Tissue cassette

Procedure:

Illustrate or draw all the instrument/apparatus used in histopathology section.

1. Microscope
2. Microtome

3. Paraffin wax bath

4. Slide warmer
5. Knives honing and stropping equipments

6. Embedding cassettes
7. Storage cabinet

8. Automatic tissue processor

Instruments/Apparatus FUNCTIONS

 allows pathologists to examine tissue samples with high

magnification, enabling them to identify cellular abnormalities and
Microscope determine the nature of the disease.

 specialized instrument used to cut thin sections of tissue for

examination under a microscope.
Microtome

 enables proper tissue embedding, dehydration, clearing, and

infiltration – all essential steps in preparing tissue samples for
Paraffin wax bath microscopic examination.
  helps to flatten and smooth out the tissues, resulting in clearer
and more accurate slides for examination under a microscope.
Slide warmer

 Honing involves using a sharpening stone or steel rod to realign

the microscopic teeth on the blade's edge, ensuring that it
Knives honing and remains sharp.
 Stropping, on the other hand, involves running the blade across a
stropping leather or fabric strip coated with abrasive compounds to polish
and refine its edge further.

 By regularly honing and stropping knives, histopathologists can

achieve cleaner cuts with minimal tissue damage.

 provides structural support to tissues, facilitating sectioning

processes, aiding organization and identification, as well as
Embedding cassetes protecting delicate samples.

 provide secure storage, maintain sample integrity through

environmental control, and enhance overall safety within the
Storage cabinet laboratory environment.

 ensures consistent and standardized processing of tissue

samples. By automating the various steps involved, such as
Automatic tissue fixation, dehydration, clearing, and embedding, it eliminates
human error and variability.
processor

 Automatic tissue processor saves time and increases efficiency.

Give the importance of automatic tissue processor.

 Automatic tissue processors are crucial in histology and pathology, preparing tissue
samples for microscopic examination. They save time and effort for laboratory
technicians, improve workflow management, enhance specimen quality, and
contribute to cost-effectiveness in healthcare settings. They eliminate manual
handling, reduce human error, and ensure consistent results. They also provide a
controlled environment for optimal fixation and dehydration, preserving tissue
structure and morphology for accurate diagnosis. Therefore, investing in automatic
tissue processors is essential for efficient and accurate diagnostic services .