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Histology
Histology
Histology is a branch of anatomy that deals with the study structure of animal and plant tissues that is only discernible with a microscope. It is also called microscopic anatomy, as opposed to gross anatomy, which involves structures that can be observed with the naked eye. The word “histology” is derived from two Greek words: histo, which means “tissue,” and logos, which means “study.”
Histopathology, the microscopic study of diseased tissue, is an important tool used in anatomical pathology, as accurate diagnosis of cancer and other diseases usually requires histopathological examination of samples.
Histological studies are often carried out by examining a thin slice (called a “section”) of tissue under a light microscope or an electron microscope on a prepared slide.
In order to distinguish different biological structures more easily and accurately, histological stains are often used to add colors to, or enhance the colors of, certain types of biological structures to allow them to be more easily differentiated from other types of structures. Staining is employed because biological tissue has little inherent contrast when observed using either light or electron microscopes.
Trained physicians, frequently licensed clinical pathologists, are the personnel who actually perform histopathological examinations and provide diagnostic information based on their observations of the tissues being tested.
The trained personnel who prepare histological specimens for examination may go by a number of titles, including:
- Histotechnician
- Histology technician (HT)
- Histology technologists (HTL)
- Medical scientists
- Medical laboratory technician
- Biomedical scientist
Their field of study is called histotechnology.
Histology has seen recent changes as technological advances in automation have influenced the field. Automation allows for the reduction of the workload of manual task needed to prepare and track histology specimens. Artificial intelligence also is playing a growing role in supporting the analysis of sections, supporting anatomic pathologists during their examinations of samples.
New company ready to heat up slow digital pathology market
IN THE 2000S, DIGITAL PATHOLOGY WAS THE HOT NEW TECHNOLOGY that held great potential to transform anatomic pathology in myriad ways, not the least of which was an essential tool to streamline pathologist workflow while suppor…
New Company Ready to Heat Up Slow Digital Pathology Market
CEO SUMMARY: There’s a new competitor in the digital pathology marketplace with ambitious plans to deliver a fully-integrated pathologist workflow solution. Inspirata, Inc., of Tampa, Florida, made its debut in March at an international pathology conference. In this exclusive i…
July 13, 2015 Intelligence: Late Breaking Lab News
In a milestone for advocates of digital pathology, n anatomic pathology laboratory in The Netherlands has been identified as the first in the world to “transition completely to digital diagnosis.” The laboratory is Laboratorium Pathologie Oost-Nederland (LabPON), located in Hengelo. In a pres…
Early Experience with Accountable Care Organization Has Lessons for Pathologists
More than 500 accountable care organizations now operate nationwide. To date, however, few independent pathology groups and clinical labs have successfully negotiated lab testing contracts with these ACO…
Early ACO Experience Has Lessons for Pathologists
CEO SUMMARY: To date, many of the nation’s 500 accountable care organizations have launched with little involvement by independent pathology groups and clinical laboratories. That was not the case with an ACO in Alabama, however. From its inception in 2012, the ACO has contract…
Healthcare Cost Solutions Will Continue to Pinch Lab Industry Revenues in 2015
CEO SUMMARY: Will 2015 turn out to be a watershed year for the clinical laboratory industry? With healthcare cost solutions continuing to squeeze laboratory profits, two federal agencies are pushing forw…
Lab Industry to Confront Major Issues during 2015
CEO SUMMARY: Will 2015 turn out to be a watershed year for the clinical laboratory industry? Not only are two federal agencies pushing forward with initiatives that will touch nearly every medical lab in the United States in the next 12 months, but other equally powerful trends c…
Longer Pay Cycle for Labs, Plus Lower Collection Rate
CEO SUMMARY: Across the United States, clinical labs, histology labs, and pathology groups are experiencing both a much longer payment cycle for claims and a decreased gross collection rate. Blame can be placed on several trends. One trend is the steady increase in the number of patients …
Maine’s Spectrum Medical Group Offers Multiple Specialties
CEO SUMMARY: Pathologists looking for a viable future in a healthcare system marked by integration of clinical care and value-based reimbursement will be interested to learn about Spectrum Medical Group based in Portland, Maine. This 180-member multispecialist group includes 22 pathologis…
2013’s Top Ten Lab Stories Point to Tougher Times
CEO SUMMARY: For 2013, the big story was money—or, more accurately, less money for providers. This was not limited to clinical labs and pathology groups, but was equally true of hospitals and physicians. In THE DARK REPORT’S annual lookback at the year’s 10…
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