Histology Special Stains: Connective Tissue (Online CE Course)

(based on 123 customer ratings)

Author: Tanisha N. Neely, HT(ASCP)
Reviewers: Diana Harrington, BS, HT(ASCP); Carla Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP)

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This course is the second in a series of courses that will explore special stains used in the clinical histology laboratory. Basic connective tissue staining mechanisms and classifying connective tissue elements will be discussed. The material presented details the chemistry, diagnostic application, and staining protocols for special stains used to demonstrate connective tissue in samples.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 9/30/2024
Approved through 9/30/2024

Objectives

  • Describe basic tissue staining methods used in the clinical histology laboratory.
  • Explain factors that affect dye binding and utilize to troubleshoot staining issues.
  • Classify connective tissue elements and identify which dyes will bind to these elements.
  • Demonstrate safe microwave use when necessary to perform special staining procedures.

Customer Ratings

(based on 123 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Introduction
  • Basic Staining Mechanisms
      • What Are Dyes?
      • Factors That Affect Dye Binding
      • Acids, Bases, pH, and Buffers
      • Basophilic and Acidophilic Staining
      • Oxidation and Reduction
      • Tissue staining is affected by which of the following factors? Choose all that apply.
      • A solution with a pH of 6.0 is categorized as which of the following?
  • Connective Tissue Classification and Functions
      • What is Connective Tissue?
      • Classifying Connective Tissue
      • Functions of Connective Tissue
      • Where are reticular fibers (reticulin) found?
      • Cartilage is composed of collagen, elastin, and reticulin fibers as well as adipose tissue.
  • Special Staining Methods Used to Demonstrate Connective Tissue
  • Using the Microwave for Special Staining Procedures
      • Microwaves in the Histopathology Laboratory
      • Tips for using the Microwave for Special Staining Procedures
      • Safety Precautions for Microwave Usage
      • Containers used in a microwave oven should be tightly sealed to prevent liquids from bubbling over.
      • What should users do to prevent high dose exposure to microwaves? (Choose the BEST response.)
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate
 
Intended audience:  Clinical laboratory histotechnologists, histotechnicians, and other medical laboratory personnel who have an interest in this subject matter. This course is also appropriate for histology and clinical laboratory science students, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.  
 
Author information: Tanisha N. Neely, HT(ASCP) is a freelance writer with a work history in histology, microbiology, and pharmaceutical research. Ms. Neely attended Indiana University where she earned a bachelors degree in arts & humanities from the School of General Studies and a Certificate in Histotechnology from the School of Medicine. She is a member of the National Society for Histotechnology and the Indiana Society for Histotechnology.
 
Reviewer information: Diana Harrington, BS, HT(ASCP) is a histotechnologist at The Dermatology Center of Indiana. Since graduating from Indiana University, she has worked in various hospital laboratories as a medical technologist and histotechnologist. Her experience led her to teach IU students as a Clinical Education Supervisor and create the Histotechnology Program as Program Director for Keiser University in Florida.
 
Reviewer information: Carla J. Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP) is the Manager of the Pathology Department of Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital of Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. She is certified as a Histotechnician and has over 25 years of experience in the field of Histology.
 
Course description: This course is the second in a series of courses that will explore special stains used in the clinical histology laboratory. Basic connective tissue staining mechanisms and classifying connective tissue elements will be discussed. The material presented details the chemistry, diagnostic application, and staining protocols for special stains used to demonstrate connective tissue in samples. 

Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
Connective Tissue Components


Elastic fibers of aorta section stained with Verhoff-Van Gieson


Masson's trichrome stain


pH range


Reticulum staining of section of liver


Toluidine Blue mast cells 1 Carla