Maricopa Community Colleges  HCE172   20042-20065 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/09/03
HCE172 20042-20065 LAB 3 Credit(s) 6 Period(s)
Histology Techniques Level 1 Practicum
Practicum in histology techniques performed in an anatomic laboratory. Application of clinical skills for specimen handling, identification, and tracking protocols. Use of anatomic laboratory instrumentation. Study of gross examination protocols. Demonstration of fixation techniques, paraffin processing protocols, and specialized processing techniques. Performance of clerical and computer functions using medico-legal guidelines for documentation. Use of professional and ethical conduct in all interpersonal communications. Prerequisites: Admission to Histology Program or permission of program director. Corequisites: HCE170 and HCE171.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
HCE172   20042-20065 Histology Techniques Level 1 Practicum
1. Use anatomic laboratory instrumentation. (I)
2. Perform basic specimen acquisition and handling protocols. (II)
3. Apply specimen identification and tracking protocols. (II)
4. Follow accepted gross examination protocols. (III)
5. Use appropriate fixative solutions. (IV)
6. Apply correct fixation techniques. (IV)
7. Practice routine paraffin tissue processing protocols. (V)
8. Observe and report on specialized processing techniques. (VI)
9. Practice professional and ethical conduct and interpersonal communication skills. (VII)
10. Document laboratory actions and clerical functions using medico-legal guidelines. (VIII, IX)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
HCE172   20042-20065 Histology Techniques Level 1 Practicum
    I. Instrumentation
        A. Dissection equipment
        B. Tissue processors
        C. Embedding stations/centers
        D. Microtomes
        E. Automated labeling systems
        F. Automated staining systems
        G. Automated coverslippers
      II. Specimen Acquisition and Handling
          A. Tracking protocols
          B. Identification protocols
        III. Gross Examination Protocols
            A. Dissection criteria
            B. Sample selection
            C. Orientation basics
          IV. Fixative Solutions and Fixation Techniques
              A. Aldehyde fixatives
                1. Components
                2. Properties
                3. Histologic actions
              B. Mercuric and heavy metal fixatives
                1. Components
                2. Properties
                3. Histologic actions
              C. Chromate fixatives
                1. Components
                2. Properties
                3. Histologic actions
              D. Picric fixatives
                1. Components
                2. Properties
                3. Histologic actions
              E. Non-aqueous fixatives
                1. Components
                2. Properties
                3. Histologic actions
              F. Proprietary fixatives
                1. Components
                2. Properties
                3. Histologic actions
            V. Paraffin Tissue Processing Protocols
                A. Processing stages
                  1. Fixation
                  2. Dehydration
                  3. Clearing
                  4. Infiltration
                B. Factors affecting processing
                C. Chemicals
                  1. Dehydration agents
                    a. Alcohols
                    b. Acetone
                    c. Dioxane
                    d. Cellusolve
                    e. Tetrahydrofuran
                    f. Proprietary formulations
                  2. Clearing agents
                    a. Xylene/toluene
                    b. Benzene
                    c. Xylene substitutes
                  3. Paraffin infiltration
                D. Tissue processors
                  1. Processing schedules
                  2. Maintenance
                  3. Errors in processing
                E. Alternate infiltration agents
                  1. Water soluble waxes
                  2. Celloidin
                  3. Double embedding methods and frozen sections
                  4. Resins and plastics
              VI. Specialized Processing Techniques
                  A. Electron microscopy
                  B. Other
                VII. Personal Behavior
                    A. Conduct
                      1. Professional
                      2. Ethical
                    B. Interpersonal communication skills
                    C. Stress management
                  VIII. Documentation
                      A. Laboratory actions
                        1. Protocols
                        2. Medico-legal guidelines
                        3. Correcting entries
                      B. Clerical functions
                        1. Protocols
                        2. Medico-legal guidelines
                        3. Correcting entries
                    IX. Computer Functions
                        A. Laboratory information systems
                        B. Laboratory instrumentation
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