Maricopa Community Colleges  HCE173   20042-20065 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/09/03
HCE173 20042-20065 LEC 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s)
Histology Techniques Level 2
Emphasis on decalcification techniques, ergonomic safety practices for microtomy, and frozen section techniques. Application of embedding orientation by tissue type. Procedures for paraffin embedding station, cryostat and rotary microtome set-up and maintenance, and sharps safety practices for the microtome. Includes techniques for microtomy, specialized microtomy, frozen section, and cytology specimen preparation. Prerequisites: HCE172. Corequisites: HCE174.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
HCE173   20042-20065 Histology Techniques Level 2
1. Describe decalcification techniques.(I)
2. Identify embedding station instrumentation set-up and maintenance.(II)
3. Identify paraffin embedding techniques. (II)
4. List embedding orientation by specimen type.(II)
5. Identify rotary microtome set-up parameters and maintenance.(III)
6. Describe ergonomics and safety practices for microtomy.(III)
7. Identify sharps safety practices for the microtome.(II, III)
8. Apply microtomy techniques specific for specimen type.(III)
9. Review specialized microtomy techniques.(IV)
10. Describe frozen section techniques.(V)
11. Identify cryostat set-up and maintenance.(V)
12. Identify cytologic specimen types based on body site and collection method.(VI)
13. Describe cytology specimen prep techniques and methods.(VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
HCE173   20042-20065 Histology Techniques Level 2
    I. Decalcification
        A. Acid techniques
          1. Hydrochloric acid
          2. Nitric acid
          3. Sulfuric acid
          4. Formic acid
        B. Chelating agents
        C. Ion exchange resin
        D. Electrolysis
        E. End-point determination practices
          1. Physical
          2. X-ray
          3. Weight
          4. Chemical
      II. Paraffin Embedding Techniques
          A. Embedding center instrumentation
            1. Set-up
            2. Maintenance
            3. Quality control documentation
          B. Technique and orientation by specimen type
            1. Epithelial tissues
            2. Tubular structures
            3. Bone
            4. Diagnostic biopsy
            5. Multiple piece blocks
            6. Sharps safety practices
        III. Microtomy
            A. Rotary microtome
              1. Set-up
              2. Maintenance
              3. Quality control documentation
              4. Ergonomic practices
              5. Safety practices
            B. Sectioning techniques
              1. Water bath use
              2. Micrometer settings
              3. Specimen microtomy techniques
                a. Biopsy
                b. En-face
                c. Margins
              4. Serial section
              5. Step section
              6. Recut
              7. Troubleshooting guideline
          IV. Specialized Microtomy Techniques
              A. Microtome
                1. Sliding
                2. Base sledge
                3. Rocking
              B. Ultramicrotome for plastic
            V. Frozen Section Techniques
                A. Cryostat
                  1. Set-up
                  2. Maintenance
                  3. Quality control documentation
                  4. Safety practices
                B. Sectioning techniques
                  1. Block preparation
                  2. Section pick-up
              VI. Cytology Specimen Prep Techniques
                  A. Collection techniques
                    1. Centesis
                    2. Slide smear
                    3. Needle aspiration
                    4. Thin prep liquid specimen technology
                  B. Preparation methods
                    1. Centrifugation
                    2. Cell blocks
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