Basic Scientific Principles of Molecular Pathology Techniques

Presenter: Ryan R. Fortna, MD, PhD, Northwest Pathology, Bellingham, WA
May 16, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

Molecular pathology is quickly becoming an integral component of medicine, providing important diagnostic, prognostic, and therapy-related information as an adjunct to routine histopathology in a variety of situations. Some of these molecular techniques are becoming more commonly used in general anatomic pathology laboratories, including in-situ hybridization (ISH), various forms of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mutation analysis, and others. A basic understanding of the scientific and technical principles underlying these techniques will be useful for anyone performing, interpreting, or ordering these tests. This webinar will provide an overview of these principles, as well as a brief introduction to some of the newer aspects of molecular biology such as micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and next-generation sequencing that may find a role in clinical medicine in the future. (Ryan Fortna)

Basic Dynamics of Fixation and Processing

Presenter: Herbert Skip Brown, MDiv, HT(ASCP), Northwestern University
June 20, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

Two of the most fundamentally critical elements of diagnostic histopathology are: 1) the ability to suspend all cellular activity in tissue and prevent degradation, and 2) to process that specimen in a manner that enhances subsequent steps such as microtomy and staining. The successful result of this is a microscopic image of cellular detail that most closely resembles the morphologic structure of disease as well as normal tissue. This webinar will discuss the basic principles of fixation and processing along with the various dynamics that are in play during the process. Methods of troubleshooting and the cost associated with reprocessing tissue will also be discussed. The concept of fluid transfer will be emphasized as a key factor contributing to the success of fixation and processing. Innovative design in specimen containment and instrumentation will be reviewed to better understand how the industry has responded to the demand for more efficient methods. This workshop is ideal for students involved in formal study in histology and a good review those sitting for their Board exam. (H. Skip Brown)

IHC Controls—The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Presenter: Wanda Jones, HT(ASCP), Immunohistochemistry Specialist, Celligent Diagnostics
July 18, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

The proper selection and use of controls for IHC are critical to the assay, test, and patient diagnosis. Controls must be carefully selected, tested, and validated before use. Antibody specification sheets provide helpful guidance in the selection process of a positive control. The fixation, processing, and even microtomy of tissue for IHC controls play a great role in the IHC assay. Negative controls are just as crucial as a known positive control and must be evaluated equally. This workshop will provide information on the selection, fixation, processing, testing, and review of both true positive and negative controls for immunohistochemistry. (Wanda Jones)

A Systems Approach to H&E Staining

Presenter: Herbert Skip Brown, MDiv, HT(ASCP), Northwestern University
August 15, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

Hematoxylin has been described as “the most valuable staining reagent used in histologic work.” While it is commonly known as the primary element of routine staining in histopathology, in effect it is a complex dye that demonstrates a wide variation of staining patterns depending on its interaction with other reagents and chemistries. Oftentimes various stain components are not optimized to work together in their chemistries, resulting in a changing of pH, a loss of intensity, and a frequent changing of reagents. This session will discuss the benefits of using a staining systems approach in the H&E where every dye/reagent is designed to operate in compatibility with other reagents. The result is an optimized, stable, and reproducible stain with a higher throughput of slides. This session will illustrate the molecular breakdown of hematoxylins and discuss the variability in performance when coupled with metallic compounds. How to troubleshoot common staining issues from an understanding of the mechanism of staining will be discussed. (H. Skip Brown)

Special Stains—What Makes Them So Special?

Presenter: C. William Chappell, HTL(ASCP)QIHC, Anatomic Pathology Supervisor, Children’s Hospital, Orange County
September 12, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

Special stains—that broad category of stains that characterizes everything but H&E stains—are required to identify specific features of a cell. Microstructures such as reticulin fibers or dendrites are hard to see with an H&E. Some structures such as fat and uric acid are washed away through normal processing and aqueous H&E staining. Microorganisms such as H pylori or acid-fast bacilli are too small to see clearly with an H&E or stain the same color as other cellular structures.

This webinar will provide a broad overview of the major special stain categories: Carbohydrates and Amyloid, Connective Tissue, Neural Tissue, Microorganisms, and Inorganic Molecules. Special attention will be given to identifying the stain, microscopic characteristics, purpose, and quality control. We will discuss some of the unique challenges presented in certain staining techniques with tips and tricks on how to overcome them. (C. Will Chappell)

A Cut in Time

Presenter: M. Lamar Jones, BS (ASCP), Carolinas College of Health Sciences
October 24, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

Microtomy is a mastered professional skill that requires proper training, much practice, and detailed manual dexterity. Prior to microtomy, the processes such as fixation, tissue processing, paraffin infiltration, and embedding play a great role to ensure that the best quality tissue section has been prepared for microtomy. The selection of the microtome, manual versus automated, is an important decision that will greatly determine the outcome of sectioning quality and results. Great attention to detail is critical to the microscopic slide preparation so that patient care is not compromised. The operation of the microtome, quality of the microtome knife blade, theories of sectioning, artifacts, tissue characteristics, expertise of the technician or technologist, ergonomics, and the physics of the cutting process will be discussed. (M. Lamar Jones)

Going Where No One Has Gone Before—A Grass Roots Approach To Success In The Digital World

Presenter: Jesus Ellin, HT/PA ASCP BSBE, Yuma Regional Medical Center
November 7, 2013
10:00am PST/ 1:00pm EST

Anatomic pathology labs have a manufacturing-like workflow. The use of instruments is not new but requires upfront thinking about workflow and interoperability. Digital pathology, specifically whole slide imaging, is no different. Even in the digital age of whole slide imaging, we have the production of physical glass slides to reckon with. Therefore, the role of the histotech is just as important, if not more so. So is the role of the APLIS to accomplish safe and efficient handling of specimens, QA/QC steps and overall management of case workup. This presentation will explore the workflow needs and solutions for rapid and meaningful adoption of digital pathology into your AP lab with the least amount of disruption and with an eye toward the future. (Jesus Ellin)