Overview
Histology involves the microscopic study of tissue. It incorporates both the technical procedures used to prepare tissue so that it is suitable for observation on a microscope, and the actual process of observing the tissue under magnification.
Histology is used in the diagnostic and research setting for the diagnosis of human or animal tissue samples including autopsy and forensic specimens to gain a better understanding of biological processes.
It is one of the least automated disciplines and is challenging from both an academic and practical perspective.
Diagnostic techniques
Fixation, processing, and sectioning are the first three steps towards getting a diagnosis.
Fixation
Fixation of tissue is required to preserve the tissue in as lifelike a manner as possible. All aspects of fixation are covered including what type of fixative is needed for different types of tissue, or freezing of tissue where chemical fixation is not suitable or for specimens requiring an urgent diagnosis.
Processing
Processing involves taking tissue from a fixed state to a point where it is of sectioning consistency usually by impregnation with wax or resin. Finally the tissue is sectioned on a microtome to produce very thin sections, which are mounted on a microscope slide.
Staining
Staining is one of the most critical aspects in the diagnosis of tissue sections and in our course we cover dye staining, histochemical staining, enzymatic staining and immunohistochemistry (antibody/antigen reactions) which are all designed to differentiate specific elements within the tissue.
Molecular techniques
With the advent of molecular biology techniques, histology scientists also carry out molecular techniques such as in-situ hybridisation, to identify specific proteins, hormone receptors, viruses and enzymes in tissues, which enhance both the diagnosis and the treatment of the patient.
These skills are also extensively used in research and are an integral part of the medical laboratory science course.
Histology involves the microscopic study of tissue.
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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