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Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
Practicum: Microtomy
Course: HST184

First Term: 2019 Fall
 Laboratory   1.0 Credit(s)   4.5 Period(s)   0 Load  
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: C = Co-op rate per RFP


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



MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Use decalcification techniques. (I)
2. Perform embedding station instrumentation set-up and maintenance. (II)
3. Practice paraffin embedding techniques. (II)
4. Apply embedding technique and orientation by specimen type. (II)
5. Perform rotary microtome set-up parameters and maintenance. (III)
6. Apply ergonomics and safety practices for microtomy. (III)
7. Apply sharps safety practices for the microtome. (II, III)
8. Practice microtomy techniques specific for specimen type. (III)
9. Use specialized microtomy techniques. (IV)
10. Practice frozen section techniques. (V)
11. Perform cryostat set-up and maintenance. (V)
12. Identify cytologic specimen types based on body site and collection methods. (VI)
13. Report on 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 by specimen type
      1. Epithelial tissues
      2. Tubular structures
      3. Bone
      4. Diagnostic biopsy
      5. Multiple piece blocks
      6. Sharps safety practice
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 techniques
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.