Maricopa Community Colleges  HCE174   20042-20065 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 12/09/03
HCE174 20042-20065 LAB 3 Credit(s) 6 Period(s)
Histology Techniques Level 2 Practicum
Practicum in histology techniques performed in an anatomic laboratory. Use of decalcification and frozen section techniques. Includes embedding orientation by tissue type and ergonomic safety practices for microtomy. Procedures for the paraffin embedding station, cryostat and rotary microtome set-up and maintenance, and sharps safety practices for the microtome. Emphasis on techniques for microtomy, specialized microtomy, frozen section, and cytology specimen preparation. Prerequisites: HCE172. Corequisites: HCE173.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
HCE174   20042-20065 Histology Techniques Level 2 Practicum
1. Use decalcification techniques.(I)
2. Perform embedding station instrumentation set-up and maintenance.(II)
3. Practice paraffin embedding techniques.(II)
4. Apply embedding technique and orientation by specimen type.(II)
5. Perform rotary microtome set-up parameters and maintenance.(III)
6. Apply ergonomics and safety practices for microtomy.(III)
7. Apply sharps safety practices for the microtome.(II, III)
8. Practice microtomy techniques specific for specimen type.(III)
9. Use specialized microtomy techniques.(IV)
10. Practice frozen section techniques.(V)
11. Perform cryostat set-up and maintenance.(V)
12. Identify cytologic specimen types based on body site and collection methods.(VI)
13. Report on cytology specimen prep techniques and methods.(VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
HCE174   20042-20065 Histology Techniques Level 2 Practicum
    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 by specimen type
            1. Epithelial tissues
            2. Tubular structures
            3. Bone
            4. Diagnostic biopsy
            5. Multiple piece blocks
            6. Sharps safety practice
        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 techniques
              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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