Course info

Modules Description:

 This module covers the methods and principles of special histotechnology methods; to include: histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The course also focuses on types and preparation of exfoliative cytology specimens, diagnostic terminologies, microscopic interpretation and reporting of cytological specimens. This course aims at helping students to be able to apply both general and special techniques in processing the tissues submitted for histopathological study until the preparation of the stained tissue slide ready for analysis. It also enables students to be familiar with the types of specimens used to study of epithelial cells which will help them to cope with subsequent cytological diagnosis.

Indicative content:

Histopathology techniques  unit

v   Fixation in Cytology

v  Decalcification

v  Tissue processing procedures: Dehydration, clearing, manual and automatic tissue processors, impregnation and its different procedures

v  Embedding

v  Microtomy: Principle of operation and types of microtomes; Microtome knives maintenance and sharpening; Section cutting procedure and requirements; Faults in section cutting and their remedies

v  Routine  & Special stains ( H& E, Trichrome of Masson, Foot, Grocott methenamine silver, Perls Iron, Ziehl- Neelsen, Giemsa, Warthin Starry, Orcein, etc).

v  Immuno-Histochemistry techniques.

v  Immunofluorescent (IF) procedures.

v  Molecular diagnostic methods

v  Use of adhesives.

Cytopathology  techniques unit

v  Special equipments

v  Types of Specimen, collection and transport methods

v  Fixation in cytology

v  Cervical cytology

v  Content of normal and abnormal cervical smears

v  Applications of cervical cytology

v  Cancer cells and their characteristics

v  Cytology of body fluids

v  Staining methods

Teaching; learning strategy and assessment pattern

Basic factual material is discussed in lectures and seminars, and practical skills are acquired and practiced in the laboratory. Face-to-face interaction, Presentation, Group work and Assignment/individual research shall all be used. Students will be expected to undertake directed learning following each lecture to complement the taught topics and independent learning is required to reinforce the student's knowledge, e.g. in relation to coursework. Assignments and the final examination.

Component	Weighting (%)
In-course assessment:	60
Assignments and seminars	20
Laboratory reports	20
CAT	20
Final assessment:	40

The assessment pattern will be as shown in the table above.