Histology Laboratory

Hours and Contacts    General Information     
Histology Research Page        Special Procedures Lab - IHC/EM  

The Art and Science of Histotechnology:   Histology is a structural science concerned with the demonstration of cellular morphology, chemical composition, and function of normal or abnormal tissue.   Histotechnologists perform complicated laboratory tests that are critically important in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many illnesses and diseases. As such, histotechnologists are vital members of the medical laboratory team.  Experienced histotechnologists prepare human or animal tissue samples for microscopic examination.   Tissue samples are primarily fixed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin and then processed in paraffin wax.  The samples are then cut into very thin slices using a microtome and are mounted on glass slides for pathologist interpretation and diagnosis.  Alternatively, tissue samples may also be submitted for a frozen section for rapid diagnosis.  This work is often done while a surgical team is awaiting a pathologist's diagnosis; therefore the work must be quick and accurate.   Many dyes and chemicals are used in histology and it is necessary to know their composition and how they act and react with each other. This knowledge, combined with an understanding of tissue composition, enables the histotechnologist to appropriately treat the tissue.  The end result yields a tissue section exhibiting distinct colors, making it possible to distinguish tissue structures through microscopic examination for diagnosing disease, conducting research, and teaching medical personnel.