MCCCD Official Course Competencies:

HCE173  2006 Fall – 2011 Summer II

Microtomy

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)

MCCCD Official Course Outline:

HCE173  2006 Fall – 2011 Summer II

Microtomy

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