Question 1

What is the difference between a biopsy and a post-mortem sample?

Accepted Answer

A biopsy is a small tissue sample taken from a living patient for diagnostic purposes, often via needle or endoscopy. A post-mortem sample is obtained during an autopsy from a deceased individual to determine cause of death or study disease progression. Both require careful handling, but post-mortem samples may be larger and involve different consent procedures under the Human Tissue Act.

Question 2

How do I choose the right fixative for different tissues?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on tissue type and intended analysis. Neutral buffered formalin (10%) is the standard for routine histology as it preserves morphology well. For electron microscopy, glutaraldehyde is preferred. Alcohol-based fixatives are used for cytology or when DNA/RNA preservation is needed. Always consider penetration rate: formalin penetrates about 1mm per hour, so larger specimens may require sectioning before fixation.

Question 3

What are common artefacts in histology slides and how can I avoid them?

Accepted Answer

Common artefacts include knife marks (from dull microtome blades), chatter (vibration during sectioning), and air bubbles under the coverslip. To avoid these, ensure blades are sharp and properly aligned, embed tissue firmly, and use correct mounting medium. Over-fixation can cause brittleness, while under-fixation leads to poor staining. Always follow standard operating procedures and check slides under low power before reporting.

Question 4

Do I need to know the Human Tissue Act in detail for the exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes, exam questions often test your understanding of consent, storage, and disposal requirements. Key points: written consent is needed for tissue retention (except for coroner's cases), tissue must be stored in licensed premises, and disposal must follow ethical guidelines. You should also know the penalties for non-compliance, such as fines or imprisonment.

Question 5

What is the role of a healthcare science assistant in anatomical pathology?

Accepted Answer

An assistant supports the pathology team by preparing equipment, labelling specimens, maintaining records, and assisting with post-mortems under supervision. They may also perform routine staining, manage stock, and ensure the mortuary is clean and compliant with health and safety standards. The role is vital for efficient workflow and patient safety.

Question 6

How is quality control maintained in a histopathology lab?

Accepted Answer

Quality control involves regular checks on reagents (e.g., pH of formalin), equipment calibration (microtomes, processors), and slide review. Internal audits, participation in external quality assessment schemes (e.g., UK NEQAS), and documenting corrective actions are standard. Staining controls (positive and negative) are run with each batch to ensure accuracy.

RSPH Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

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Frequently Asked Questions

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