Routine Histology

Grossing is the initial step in histology where tissue specimens are examined macroscopically (with the naked eye) to describe and select representative sections for processing. 

It includes measuring, inspecting, inking margins, and cutting tissue into appropriate sizes for fixation and further preparation.

Add-on:

Decalcification

Processing is the step in histology where tissue is chemically prepared for embedding. It involves removing water, clearing with solvents, and infiltrating with paraffin to preserve the tissue’s structure for thin sectioning and staining.

Embedding involves placing oriented processed tissue into a mold and surrounding it with molten paraffin wax. Once cooled and solidified, the wax block holds the tissue in place, allowing for precise sectioning on a microtome.

Microtomy is the process of cutting ultra-thin slices of paraffin-embedded tissue using a microtome. These sections usually 4–5 microns thick are floated on a warm water bath and placed on glass slides for staining.

Add-ons:

Recuts

Levels

Deepers

Serial Sections

Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining is the most common method used in histology. Hematoxylin stains nuclei blue-purple, while eosin stains cytoplasm and connective tissue pink, providing clear contrast to assess tissue structure and detect abnormalities.