Histology Recuts: An Educational Overview (Online CE Course)

(based on 2 customer ratings)

Author: Erika Caceres, BS, HTL(ASCP)
Reviewer: Kristen Meyer, BS, HTL(ASCP), QIHC(ASCP)

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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 9/30/2027
Approved through 9/30/2027

Objectives

  • Identify and describe the main types of tissue recuts utilized in histology laboratories.
  • Perform recut procedures that preserve tissue integrity and yield diagnostically valuable slides.
  • Operate microtome equipment and related tools with precision and adherence to safety protocols.
  • Select appropriate recut methods based on clinical requests and specific diagnostic requirements.
  • Apply best practices in documentation, communication, and workflow management within the histology laboratory.
  • Troubleshoot common issues encountered during recut preparation to ensure consistent, high-quality results for both routine and specialized staining procedures.

Customer Ratings

(based on 2 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Introduction
      • Introduction
      • Definition of a Recut
      • Reasons for Ordering a Recut
      • Types of H&E Recuts
      • How a Recut is Ordered
      • What is the primary purpose of ordering a recut in histology?
      • When should special stains or IHC be cut in relation to recut levels?
  • Before Cutting a Recut
  • Techniques for Specific Recuts
    • Techniques for Superficial and Serial Sections
      • Superficial and Serial Sections: Definitions and Techniques
      • Managing Moisture in Previously Cut Tissue Blocks for Superficial and Serial Section Recuts
      • Aligning the Tissue Block to the Microtome Blade for Superficial and Serial Section Recuts
      • Superficial and Serial Sectioning Technique
      • What is a superficial section in histology?
      • What do serial sections refer to in histology?
      • What is the main risk of cutting too deeply into a tissue block when a superficial recut is requested?
      • What is the best way to restore moisture to a previously cut tissue block before recutting?
    • Techniques for Levels and Deeper Sections
      • Levels and Deeper Sections in Histology
      • Key Considerations of Levels and Deeper Sections
      • What is a “level” in the context of recuts?
      • What is the best way to ensure you do not remove diagnostically important tissue during recuts?
      • What is the main reason for using deeper levels in recuts?
    • Techniques for Cut-Through in Histology
  • Importance of Recut Techniques
      • Importance of Recuts
  • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Basic
Intended Audience: This course is designed for professionals working in the field of anatomic pathology, specifically histotechnicians, histotechnologists, and pathology assistants. This course is also appropriate for HT, HTL, and PA students and pathology residents.
Author Information: Erika Caceres BS, HTL(ASCP), has nearly eight years of experience as a histotechnologist, progressing from bench technician to pathology supervisor. She has expertise in tissue preparation, staining, and advanced histological techniques, including immunohistochemistry. Her leadership roles at Atrium Health involved directing workflow, optimizing antibodies, and ensuring compliance with CAP and CLIA regulations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Queens University of Charlotte, where she focused on microbiology and cell biology, followed by completing her Histotechnology training at Carolinas College of Health Sciences.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose.
Reviewer Information: Kristen Meyer, BS, HTL(ASCP), QIHC(ASCP), is the Manager of Anatomic Pathology Services for Kaiser Permanente in Portland, OR. She graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Upon graduation, she began working in a hospital as a clinical lab assistant, and from there became interested in Histotechnology after observing gross dissections of specimens in the Pathology department. Since then, she has worked in the Histopathology field for over 20 years in various roles, including Histotechnologist, Technical Specialist, Supervisor, and Manager.

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