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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.
Shortage of Med Techs Stimulates Innovation
CEO SUMMARY: In Western Tennessee, a seven-hospital rural health system is pulling out all stops to solve the staffing crisis in its laboratory division by implementing programs that address both retention and recruiting. “Bench bonuses,” college loan repayment programs, recruitment b…
Histology Lab Goes Mobile To Serve Customers On-Site
CEO SUMMARY: During the 1990s, pathologists at Palm Beach Pathology recognized that more and more procedures were being done in ambulatory surgery centers and physicians’ offices. To maintain access to these patients, Palm Beach Pathology developed a strategic marketing plan with a uniq…
DIANON Systems, United Health, Aetna, Quest Diagnostics, Orchid, AmeriPath
DIANON SYSTEMS INKS NATIONAL AGREEMENT WITH UNITEDHEALTHCARE A NEW NATIONAL AGREEMENT between DIANON Systems, Inc. and UnitedHealthcare was announced last week. The agreement allows DIANON Systems to provide pathology and genetic testing services to all the…
Largest Hospital Lab JV Making Steady Progress
CEO SUMMARY: It’s a daunting task to rationalize and integrate lab testing services among 21 hospitals spread out between Eastern Wisconsin and the south side of Chicago. Since the joint venture was announced April 2000, management initiatives have generated lower costs. But the number …
Memorial Hermann Lab Launches Crash Rebuild
CEO SUMMARY: This 600-bed hospital and core laboratory are in a crash rebuilding program as a result of flooding from tropical storm Allison. One important management lesson learned is the value of consolidating and integrating laboratory services within a health system. Previous lab inte…
Questions Remain About Performance Of Liquid-Prep Paps
CEO SUMMARY: During the past five years, several companies entered the lab marketplace with claims that their new Pap test technologies are improvements over conventional Pap smear methods. Armed with investment capital from Wall Street, these companies launched aggressive sales and marke…
New CEO Takes Charge At Pathology Partners
CEO SUMMARY: Pathology Partners, Inc. got a new President and CEO this month. The company is organized to build and operate independent regional histology and cytology laboratories in support of anatomic pathologists. Its business model is different than competing pathology companies and …
PPM Giant MedPartners Exits Doctor Management
THIRD IN A SERIES WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN the largest companies in a multibillion dollar industry announce that they will “get out” of that business? That is the question which must be answered after MedPartners, Inc. joined PhyMatrix Corp. in p…
AutoCyte Moves One Step Closer To FDA Approval
CEO SUMMARY: Until now, AutoCyte has kept a relatively quiet presence in the automated cytology marketplace. That may soon change as the FDA takes action on the company’s PREP™ and SCREEN™ products. AutoCyte expects these products will boost productivity and quality in cytology labs…
American Path Resources Bought By Pathology PPM
CEO SUMMARY: Here is first confirmation that Pathology Consultants of America has indeed purchased American Pathology Resources. The combination of the two pathology-based physician practice management companies demonstrates that the pathology industry is on the verge of rapid transformat…
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Volume XXXII, No. 13 – September 15, 2025
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