Histology

Histology is the study of the microanatomy of cells, tissues, and organs as seen through a microscope. Trained technicians place thin sections of tissues onto slides which are routinely stained by hematoxylin and eosin. After staining, these slides are examined by highly trained pathologists who can identify specific microscopic changes that may indicate disease. Additional special stains can be performed in the histopathology laboratory to further characterize abnormal microscopic findings.

Sampling Instructions:
• Practitioners are encouraged to use containers and mailers specifically intended for formalin fixed specimens. Label containers appropriately, especially if more than one specimen is submitted. Owner address, patient signalment and a brief history are required information.
• Submission forms are available online or by calling the laboratory.
• Tissues should be placed in 10% buffered formalin. Ten volumes of formalin are required to adequately fix one volume of tissue. Specimens should consist of the lesion site and surrounding tissue. Tissue should not be thicker than 1 cm. Certain tissues require special attention. Intestines are labile; they should be opened, and contents removed with a saline or formalin rinse. Bouin's fixative is preferred for endometria. Brains are fixed whole in 10 volumes of formalin. Fresh brains should be hemisectioned if viral or bacterial studies are intended—refrigerating one half and saving the other half in formalin.