The
birth of histologic technique dates back
to 1664 when Robert Hooke cut sections
of cork with his pen knife and observed
them under a microscope. In 1670, Leeuwenhoek
made sections from a quill, a bovine optic
nerve and the centers of dried flowers
using his hand sharpened razor. These events
were the beginning of what was to become
an important and unique laboratory discipline.
Histology is a structural science concerned
with the demonstration of cellular morphology,
chemical composition and function of normal
and abnormal tissue. Many dyes and chemicals
are used in histology and it is necessary
to know their composition and how they
act and react with each other. This knowledge,
combined with an understanding of tissue
composition, enables the histotechnologist
to appropriately treat the tissue of interest.
The end result yields a tissue section
exhibiting distinct colors, making it possible
to distinguish tissue structures through
microscopic examination.
The
histotechnologist, who plays
an integral part in tissue preparation,
operates and
maintains delicate instruments that help
to enhance and reproduce the consistent
results necessary for microscopic diagnosis.
Histotechnology is a dynamic profession
with new technology and methodology continually
evolving. Once formal training is complete,
there are numerous opportunities for continuing
education via professional state societies
and through the National Society for Histotechnology.
Scientist. Anatomist. Chemist. Medical
Professional. A career in histotechnology
is composed of these and much more. The
search to unlock the secrets held by tissue
structure reaches into many fields. It
is through the skills of the histotechnologist
that these secrets are revealed with color
and clarity. Where such medical and scientific
activity is pursued, it is certain that
the histotechnologist will be regarded
as a valuable member of the team.
If you make your decision to enter the
healthcare profession and dedicate your
life to the highest standards of excellence
and integrity, your reward will include
career satisfaction enjoyed by only a select
few.
As
a histotechnologist, you will prepare
very thin slices of human, animal or plant
tissue for microscopic examination. In
doing so, you will become an important
part of the intricate process of scientific
investigation that requires tissue examination,
especially in establishing and confirming
patient diagnosis.
As
a result of the histotechnologist’s
skillful application of sophisticated
laboratory techniques, the seemingly
invisible world
of tissue structure becomes visible
under the microscope. Without the skills
and
expertise of the histotechnologist,
many diagnoses could not be accurately
made.
Since this process requires a number of
different skills, histotechnology is one
of the most versatile of all the laboratory
professions. The diverse tasks performed
by the histotechnologist require patience,
mechanical ability, knowledge of biology,
physics, anatomy and chemistry; and the
ability to work quickly but carefully.
Histotechnology is a career with many
diverse specializations. The frozen section
technique, which assists surgeons during
patient surgery, requires the histotechnologist
to perform STAT preparations of suspicious
tissues sent from the Operating Room. Speed,
accuracy and cooperation are critical.
The surgeon, anesthesiologist and other
operating room personnel await histologic
diagnosis before proceeding with surgery.
With specialized training, histotechnologists
may choose a career in electron microscopy.
There, tissues are much smaller than those
used in histology and are actually cut
with the use of a microscope. Specific
techniques and precise skills produce sections
thin enough to allow the transmission of
an electron beam to reveal tissue and cellular
ultrastructure.
Another highly specialized area, immunohistochemistry
includes the staining of antigenic sites
to identify tumor cell lines within the
tissue using various stains and antibodies.
Mastering these and other techniques,
including certification by an accrediting
institution, are essential in order to
enter the medical profession of histotechnology.
It is challenging and rewarding work.
*excerpts
taken with permission from the National
Society of Histotechnology publication “A
Career to Consider-The Art and Science
of Histotechnology”. For more information
visit the NSH website at www.nsh.org.
|
