American Society for Clinical Pathology

Histotechnology: Processing Exercise 2

Freida L. Carson, PhD, HT(ASCP)
Department of Pathology (retired), Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Christa Hladik, AA, HT(ASCP)cm, QIHC
Neuropathology and Immunohistochemistry, UT Southwestern Clinical Laboratories, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX

 

Keywords: clearing, xylene, toluene, benzene, chloroform

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

  • define clearing Agents, xylene, toluene, benzene, acetone, chloroform, cedarwood oil, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, limonene derivatives, and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
  • compare xylene, limonene derivatives, and the aliphatic hydrocarbons as to physical features, disposal options, and health effects.
  • outline paraffin processing schedules, and describe how an increase or decrease in the time that the specimen remains in each solution will affect the quality of processing.
  • describe the microwave processing procedure and identify the differences between the microwave procedure and the procedure used on an enclosed processor.

ASCP designates this activity for a maximum of 1 CMLE credits. This activity meets CMP and state licensure requirements for laboratory personnel.

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