Histological studies
Histological examination is a antemortem examination of biological material obtained during surgical interventions or diagnostic biopsies, necessary to establish the pathological process (disease), determine the prognosis, and determine subsequent treatment strategies.
Histological examination includes macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the material to identify inflammatory or degenerative changes and identify benign or malignant tumors. Additional histochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic studies are performed to clarify the pathological process, determine its precise nosological affiliation, or identify specific markers for targeted therapy.
Histological examination is a labor-intensive process that includes the stages of material preparation, preparation of a histological specimen, and its analysis by a specialist physician. Standard examination typically takes no more than 7 business days from the date the material is received by the laboratory. Diagnostically complex cases requiring additional examination methods or a decision by a medical council may take longer.
Stages of histological examination:
Stage 1 - Fixation
The biopsy is placed in 10% formalin to prevent cell destruction. Time: 8–24 hours
Stage 2 - Macroscopic Description and Excision
Description of shape, color, and size. Selection of specimen for microscopy.
Stage 3 - Histological processing
Dehydration, degreasing, clearing, and paraffin impregnation
Stage 4 - Pouring
Pouring hot paraffin into the mold. Obtaining a paraffin block
Stage 5 - Microtomy
Cutting the block into thin sections. The larger the sample, the more extensive the examination.
Stage 6 - Staining
Standard and special stains: hematoxylin, eosin, and others
Step 7 - Coverslipping
Sealing under a cover slip - the specimen is ready for long-term storage
The CCPB conducts a wide range of pathohistological examinations, serving more than 200 public and private medical institutions in the Republic of Belarus with an annual total number of examinations exceeding 200 thousand.
Contact information:
Head of the Pathological Anatomy and Biopsy Department: Svetlana Nikolaevna Pisarchik, tel. 378-20-38, extension 413