Histotechnology (HSTO)

An introduction into laboratory tests and procedures used in diagnostic screening and analysis in clinical laboratories. Students will learn about procedures used within microbiology, hematology, clinical chemistry, and cytology laboratories. In addition, students will learn about histotechnology, and the procedures carried out in histotechnology labs such as tissue preparation, staining and analysis. The course will also include career exploration via invited lab professionals and/or trips to local labs and an introduction to the legal and ethical considerations in the acquisition and use of patient information.

This course covers laboratory management and educational methodologies. It includes management and motivational theories, communication skills, regulatory and accreditation requirements, budget and strategic planning, curriculum design, and examination instruction. There is a focus on performance improvement, critical pathways, human resource management, financial management, training, management styles, team building skills, dynamics of health care and laboratory, communications, ethics, selection of laboratory computer systems, and government regulations and standards.

This course introduces the students to: the principles and theories of histotechnology, departmental and hospital orientation, laboratory safety and regulatory requirements, and laboratory math and chemistry. The selection and operation of a laboratory information system (LIS) will also be discussed.

This course will instill students with proper knowledge on how to embed various types of tissue, principles of tissue processing (automated, manual, and microwave/rapid), troubleshooting, reprocessing, maintenance, programming, and correct selection of programs for tissue type will be discussed in depth with case studies. There will be a focus on embedding techniques and different infiltrating media. Principles and theories regarding decalcification will also be discussed.

This course covers the basic principles of microtomy applicable to both paraffin and frozen sections and techniques necessary to provide quality microscopic slides. There will be a focus on the varying types of microtomes, blades, water baths, slides, troubleshooting, and different paraffin section cutting. This course is very lab-centered as the student will learn to cut various types of tissue, learns ribboning, cutting different thicknesses, smoothing sections, cutting difficult tissue, cutting levels, recuts, controls, and more. The student will become familiar with various instruments and their maintenance used in the day-to-day histology laboratory.

This course presents the theories and principles of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. There will be a focus on the properties of these dyes, varying methods of staining, troubleshooting, different types of hematoxylins and eosin, and quality assurance. Students will learn to operate, program, and do scheduled maintenance on H&E strainers, and to manually coverslip slides along with maintenance and operation of coverslipping machines. Different mounting media, refractive indices, slide thickness, and solvents for mounting media, along with coverslipping troubleshooting, will also be discussed.

Students rotate through various areas of Surgical and Anatomic Pathology laboratories.

A comprehensive course that focuses on the fundamentals of immunohistochemistry as applied to the theory and practical techniques in histopathology. The students will apply basic knowledge of immunology to the development of immunohistochemistry protocols and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical significance of diagnostic and prognostic indicators used in immunohistochemistry techniques, troubleshooting, and validation of new antibodies.

This course encompasses the theory, fundamental operating principles, and specimen preparation techniques of the electron microscope. The student will learn the use of the instrument, specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, and basic techniques needed to prepare biological and nonbiological samples of electron microscopy.

This course studies the underlying principles and techniques of special staining as applied to microscopic identification of connective tissue, muscle, neurological tissues, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, blood elements, pigments, and minerals. The clinical significance of these stains in diagnoses will be discussed. The students will perform the majority of stains by hand, learning about the reagents involved, alternatives, and safety and storage. Students will become proficient in using current automated staining platforms, performing quality assurance checks of stained tissue, and providing maintenance to the equipment.

This is a self-study course. This course combines the students’ knowledge and experience from the program. The students will conduct a process improvement project in the laboratory where they will be required to work collaboratively in the design, implementation, and presentation of what they believe should be redeveloped.

This course will introduce the basic language of empirical research with emphasis on the applicability of research methodology in the area of clinical laboratory sciences. Students will analyze current scientific publications for research questions, hypotheses, study design, statistical analysis, and the application of proper scientific format sin the clinical laboratory professions.

This course includes an introduction to medical terminology applicable to histology. The students will learn gross room operations such as workflow, common surgical procedures and terminology, specimen dissection plans of various types of tissues, and basic grossing techniques and requirements. The course also covers current frozen section techniques, cryostat maintenance, and current operating procedures for frozen sections. The students will acquire intermediate to advanced knowledge in the theory of fixation with a focus on the varying types of fixatives used, action of simple and compound fixatives, factors affecting the quality of fixation, and compatibility between fixatives and stains.

This course covers the study of microscopic structures of normal and abnormal human tissues and organs. It will focus on the relationship between structure and function, along with slide review and tissue identification.

This course focuses on the fundamentals and practice of immunofluorescence, enzymehistochemistry, and in-situ hybridization. The students acquire basic knowledge on specimen preparation, development of reagents, various methods and visualization of final results.