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    Overview

    An introduction to the theory and practice of histotechnology, cytology and diagnostic electron microscopy.

    Histopathology is the discipline concerned with producing accurate diagnostic information from patient tissue samples using a variety of techniques. Common diagnoses in histopathology include cancer, inflammatory conditions and infections. These are recognised using staining techniques combined with microscopic analyses and increasingly accompany results from the molecular diagnostic laboratory. Histology is the procedure used to preserve and analyse tissue as close as possible to their living state so that they can be visualised under a microscope. Cytopathology is the discipline concerned with the microscopic appearance of cells, especially for the diagnosis of abnormalities and malignancies. Cytology directly investigates the structural and functional organisation of cells and includes staining and molecular techniques. 

    About this paper

    Paper title Elements of Histotechnology
    Subject Medical Laboratory Science
    EFTS 0.125
    Points 15 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,269.88
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Limited to
    BMLSc
    Eligibility
    Passed all second-year Medical Laboratory Science papers.
    Contact

    admin.mlsc@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Paper Convener: Associate Professor Tania Slatter

    Paul Spek

    Paper Structure

    Lectures and practicals address the following issues:

    • Tissue grossing and health and safety 
    • Fixation and preservation of tissue
    • Tissue processing, embedding, and microtomy
    • Techniques for demonstrating different tissue components 
    • Examination of a variety of different results to ensure correct and improve accuracy
    • Quality Management of the histopathology diagnostic laboratory
    • The combination of histopathology and molecular diagnostics
    • Electron and confocal microscopy
    • Examination of gynaecological, urinary tract, respiratory tract and body cavity cell preparations
    • Liquid-based cytology
    Teaching Arrangements
    Lectures and practical laboratories.
    Textbooks

    Required: Histotechnology: A Self-Instructional Text. Authors: Carson, F.L. & Hladik, C.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Understand grossing, fixation, processing, and microtomy of tissue
    • Understand and practice staining of tissue and cells to achieve diagnosis
    • Understand molecular histological and cytological methods used on tissue and cells

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Aoroa

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Friday 09:00-10:50 21

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 09:00-10:50 9-14, 16-17, 19-22
    AND
    B1 Tuesday 12:00-13:50 11, 13, 16, 18

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-16:50 9, 12, 22
    Wednesday 13:00-16:50 11, 19, 21
    Thursday 09:00-10:50 10-11, 13, 16, 18, 20
    Thursday 12:00-16:50 10-11, 13, 16, 18, 20
    Friday 09:00-10:50 11-13, 16-19
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