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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Microtomy
Course: HST182

First Term: 2019 Fall
 Lec + Lab   5.0 Credit(s)   4.0 Period(s)   4.0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load


Description: Emphasis on decalcification techniques, ergonomic safety practices for microtomy, and frozen section techniques. Application of embedding orientation by tissue type. Procedures for paraffin embedding station, cryostat and rotary microtome set-up and maintenance, and sharps safety practices for the microtome. Includes techniques for microtomy, specialized microtomy, frozen section, and cytology specimen preparation.



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe and explain decalcification techniques.(I)
2. Identify and utilize embedding station instrumentation set-up and maintenance.(II)
3. Identify and employ paraffin embedding techniques. (II)
4. List embedding orientation by specimen type.(II)
5. Identify rotary microtome set-up parameters and maintenance.(III)
6. Describe and apply ergonomics and safety practices for microtomy.(III)
7. Identify and demonstrate sharps safety practices for the microtome.(II, III)
8. Apply microtomy techniques specific for specimen type.(III)
9. Identify specialized microtomy techniques.(IV)
10. Describe frozen section techniques.(V)
11. Identify and explain cryostat set-up and maintenance.(V)
12. Identify and explain cytologic specimen types based on body site and collection method.(VI)
13. Explain cytology specimen prep techniques and methods.(VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Decalcification
   A. Acid techniques
      1. Hydrochloric acid
      2. Nitric acid
      3. Sulfuric acid
      4. Formic acid
   B. Chelating agents
   C. Ion exchange resin
   D. Electrolysis
   E. End-point determination practices
      1. Physical
      2. X-ray
      3. Weight
      4. Chemical
II. Paraffin embedding techniques
   A. Embedding center instrumentation
      1. Set-up
      2. Maintenance
      3. Quality control documentation
   B. Technique and orientation by specimen type
      1. Epithelial tissues
      2. Tubular structures
      3. Bone
      4. Diagnostic biopsy
      5. Multiple piece blocks
      6. Sharps safety practices
III. Microtomy
   A. Rotary microtome
      1. Set-up
      2. Maintenance
      3. Quality control documentation
      4. Ergonomic practices
      5. Safety practices
   B. Sectioning techniques
      1. Water bath use
      2. Micrometer settings
      3. Specimen microtomy techniques
         a. Biopsy
         b. En-face
         c. Margins
      4. Serial section
      5. Step section
      6. Recut
      7. Troubleshooting guideline
IV. Specialized microtomy techniques
   A. Microtome
      1. Sliding
      2. Base sledge
      3. Rocking
   B. Ultramicrotome for plastic
V. Frozen section techniques
   A. Cryostat
      1. Set-up
      2. Maintenance
      3. Quality control documentation
      4. Safety practices
   B. Sectioning techniques
      1. Block preparation
      2. Section pick-up
VI. Cytology specimen prep techniques
   A. Collection techniques
      1. Centesis
      2. Slide smear
      3. Needle aspiration
      4. Thin prep liquid specimen technology
   B. Preparation methods
      1. Centrifugation
      2. Cell blocks
 
MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: January 22, 2019

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.