What is histopathology?

This chapter provides an overview of histopathology, which is a mix of cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and genetics. All organs in every human being show the same general histology, and possibly more importantly, each pathology of the same type has a characteristic morphology and pattern. It is the manual visual interpretation of these things that forms the basis of histopathology. The chapter describes the role of histopathology in the diagnosis of disease. It then looks at the different types of biopsy submitted to the histopathology laboratory; outlines the specimen journey through the laboratory; and considers the special staining techniques that can be used to aid diagnosis. The chapter also discusses the concept of consent, the principles of the Human Tissue Act 2004, and the laboratory management systems that support an effective histopathology service.