#histotechnology

🎅 Have a Howelly-Jolly Christmas 🎄‬

A festive finding in the blood of an asplenic patient 💉‬

i❤️histo

A Howell–Jolly body is a cytopathological finding whereby small remnants of nuclear DNA are present in normally anuclear circulating erythrocytes.

During development in the bone marrow, late orthochromatophilic erythroblast normally expel their nuclei. However, in some cases, a small portion of DNA remains (the purple dots in the erythrocytes wearing the Santa hats).

Under normal circumstances if these irregular erythrocytes make it into the blood, they are removed from circulation by the spleen.

As a result, the presence of erythrocytes with Howell-Jolly bodies in peripheral blood smears like this usually signifies a damaged or absent spleen - because a healthy spleen would normally filter this type of red blood cell.

🍑 Bubble Butt Adenoma 🍑

A posterior view of a tubulovillous adenoma in the colon.

i♡histo

If you have ever had a colonoscopy then your doctor may have informed you that they found a number of polyps.

Polyps are slow growing lumps of tissue that grow on the inside wall of the colon and protrude, often from stalks, into the lumen of the colon like tiny mushrooms.

They are most often benign but can be an early warning sign for colorectal cancer.

To the naked eye, most polyps look similar but they can be classified based upon their microscopic appearance which means that it is important to biopsy a polyp to determine exactly what it is.

Some polyps may be described as tubular adenomas. These types of polyps look like that are composed of the many numerous tubular glands that line the rest of the colon. Except they look more irregular and contain few of the mucous secreting goblet cells you would expect to find in a regular intestinal gland (crypt of Lieberkuhn). The legs, arm and butt in the image left are the tubular gland part of this adenoma.

Some polyps may be described as being a villous adenoma. These look more shaggy/lumpy grossly. They look like this because under the microscope you will find that they are composed of many long, branching finger-like projections called villi. Villi are not a typical finding in the colon and imply a faster rate of polyp growth.

A polyp that has features of both types is often referred to by doctors as a 'tubulovillous' adenoma.

It is important to know the type of adenoma causing the polyp because villous adenoma have a higher chance of becoming cancer quicker than tubular adenomas.

🦭 Seal Syringoma 🦭

This is definitely the sealiest thing I have observed in a histology slide

i❤️histo

A syringoma is a benign tumor of sweat glands. There a two types of sweat gland in the skin: eccrine (merocrine) and apocrine.

Eccrine sweat glands are the most common and are found all over the body, they secrete the regular type of sweat you are familiar with and are particularly dense on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (it's your eccrine sweat glands responsible for those nervous sweaty palms and those sweaty feet in hot sockless shoes). Eccrine sweat is largely for thermoregulation (to help you cool down when hot).

Apocrine sweat glands are found mainly in the pubic regions (groin, axilla/armpit) and they secrete the type of sweat that quickly gets stinky after exercise because bacteria love to feast on this more oily secretion.

Histotechnicians play a critical role in the medical field, working behind the scenes to prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. This profession requires a keen eye for detail, precision, and a thorough understanding of histology techniques. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a histotechnician, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started.

Understanding the Role of a Histotechnician

Histotechnicians, also known as histologic technicians, are specialized laboratory professionals. Their primary responsibility is to prepare tissue specimens for pathological examination. These specimens are often collected through biopsies or surgeries. Histotechnicians must be proficient in various techniques, including:

Fixation: Preserving tissue samples using chemicals to prevent decay.

Embedding: Encasing tissue samples in a solid medium, usually paraffin wax, to enable slicing.

Sectioning: Cutting thin slices of tissue for microscopic analysis.

Staining: Applying dyes to highlight specific cellular components and structures.

Educational Requirements

High School Preparation

The journey to becoming a histotechnician often begins in high school. Aspiring histotechnicians should focus on subjects such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics. These foundational courses will provide the necessary background knowledge for further studies in histology.

Post-Secondary Education

To pursue a career as a histotechnician, you will need to complete a formal education program. There are two primary educational paths:

Associate Degree in Histotechnology: Many community colleges and technical schools offer two-year associate degree programs in histotechnology. These programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, histology, and laboratory techniques.

Certificate Program: For those who already hold a degree in a related field, certificate programs in histotechnology are available. These programs are usually shorter, lasting about a year, and focus specifically on histology techniques and laboratory skills.

Accreditation and Certification

Accreditation

It is essential to choose an accredited histotechnology program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific educational standards and adequately prepares students for a career in histotechnology. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is a key accrediting body for histotechnology programs in the United States.

Certification

While certification is not always mandatory, it is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the Histotechnician (HT) certification. To be eligible for the certification exam, candidates must complete an accredited histotechnology program or have a combination of education and relevant work experience.

Gaining Practical Experience

Clinical Rotations

Most histotechnology programs include clinical rotations or internships. These practical experiences allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world laboratory settings. During clinical rotations, students work under the supervision of experienced histotechnologists, gaining hands-on experience with tissue preparation, staining techniques, and laboratory equipment.

On-the-Job Training

Some employers may offer on-the-job training programs for entry-level histotechnicians. This approach allows individuals to learn histotechnology skills while working in a laboratory. However, having formal education and certification can significantly enhance job prospects and career advancement opportunities.

Developing Essential Skills

Histotechnicians must possess a specific set of skills to excel in their roles. These skills include:

Attention to Detail: Precision is critical when preparing tissue samples. Even minor errors can affect diagnostic accuracy.

Manual Dexterity: Handling delicate tissue samples and operating laboratory equipment requires steady hands and fine motor skills.

Analytical Thinking: Histotechnicians must analyze tissue samples and identify abnormalities. Critical thinking is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in using laboratory equipment, such as microtomes and staining machines, is vital.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Job Market

The demand for histotechnicians is expected to grow steadily in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, including histotechnicians, is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increased need for diagnostic services.

Career Advancement

With experience and additional education, histotechnicians can advance to higher-level positions, such as histotechnologists or laboratory managers. Some may choose to specialize in specific areas of histology, such as immunohistochemistry or molecular diagnostics. Continuing education and obtaining advanced certifications can open doors to these opportunities.

Work Environment and Salary

Work Environment

Histotechnicians typically work in laboratory settings, including hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and private laboratories. They may work regular business hours, but some positions require evening, weekend, or holiday shifts to meet the demands of medical and research facilities.

Salary

Salaries for histotechnicians can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $54,180 in May 2020. Experienced histotechnicians and those working in specialized areas may earn higher salaries.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

Continuing Education

Staying current with advancements in histotechnology is crucial for career growth. Many professional organizations, such as the ASCP, offer continuing education opportunities through workshops, conferences, and online courses. Participating in these activities helps histotechnicians stay updated on new techniques, technologies, and best practices.

Professional Organizations

Introduction Becoming a histotechnician is a rewarding career choice for those interested in the medical field. Histotechnicians play a crucial role in preparing tissue samples for examination under a microscope, aiding in the diagnosis of diseases such as cancer. In this article, we will discuss the steps required to become a histotechnician, including education, training, and certification.

Education To become a histotechnician, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. After completing high school, the next step is to pursue a degree or certificate in histotechnology from an accredited program. These programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Courses in histotechnology cover topics such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques.

Training Once the educational requirements are met, aspiring histotechnicians must complete a clinical training program. This program provides hands-on experience working with tissue samples in a laboratory setting. During this training, students learn how to prepare tissue samples for examination, use laboratory equipment, and follow safety protocols.

Certification After completing the educational and training requirements, histotechnicians can pursue certification. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers a certification exam for histotechnicians. Passing this exam demonstrates a histotechnician's knowledge and competency in the field.

Career Outlook The demand for histotechnicians is expected to grow in the coming years, as the need for medical diagnoses continues to rise. Histotechnicians can find employment in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research facilities, and academic institutions. The average salary for a histotechnician is around $50,000 per year, but this can vary depending on location and experience.

Conclusion Becoming a histotechnician requires dedication and hard work, but it can lead to a fulfilling career in the medical field. By completing the necessary education, training, and certification, individuals can embark on a rewarding career path that allows them to make a difference in the lives of others.