1. TISSUE PROCESSING:Histopathology begins with the processing of tissue samples obtained from biopsies, surgical resections, or autopsies. Tissue specimens are fixed, processed, embedded in paraffin wax, and sectioned into thin slices for microscopic examination.

2. MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION:: Histotechnologists prepare thin tissue sections on glass slides, which are stained with specialized dyes to highlight specific cellular structures or components. Pathologists examine these stained tissue sections under a microscope to identify abnormal cellular features indicative of disease.

3. HEMATOXYLIN AND EOSIN (H&E) STAINING:H&E staining is the most commonly used staining technique in histopathology. It stains cell nuclei blue-purple with hematoxylin and cytoplasm and other structures pink with eosin, allowing for the visualization of tissue architecture and cellular morphology.

4. SPECIAL STAINS:Specialized staining techniques are used to highlight specific tissue structures or components, such as mucin, collagen, carbohydrates, microorganisms, or certain cellular proteins. Examples include periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, Masson's trichrome stain, and Gram stain.

5. IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY (IHC):Immunohistochemistry involves the use of antibodies labeled with fluorescent or chromogenic markers to detect specific proteins or antigens within tissue sections. IHC is used to identify cell types, characterize tumors, and assess protein expression levels.

6. CYTOLOGY EVALUATION:Histopathology laboratories may also offer cytology services, which involve the examination of individual cells or small clusters of cells obtained from various body fluids or fine-needle aspiration biopsies. Cytology is used to diagnose cancers, infections, and inflammatory conditions.

7. MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY:Some histopathology laboratories offer molecular testing services to analyze DNA, RNA, or protein markers in tissue samples. Molecular pathology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), provide additional diagnostic and prognostic information, particularly in cancer diagnosis and personalized medicine.

8. CONSULTATION SERVICES:Pathologists in the histopathology section provide consultation services to clinicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. They interpret histopathology findings, provide diagnostic opinions, and offer recommendations for patient management.

9. RESEARCH SUPPORT:Histopathology laboratories may also support research activities by providing tissue samples, histological analysis, and expertise in experimental design and data interpretation.