Relevance of Skin Morphology in the Laboratory

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
Relevance of Skin Morphology in the Laboratory

A detailed understanding of skin morphology should not be reserved for dermatologists or pathologists alone. It is essential for those who:
  • Perform gross examinations of skin specimens (skin orientation critical)
  • Embed the skin tissue into paraffin (skin orientation critical)
  • Cut frozen sections of skin or perform Mohs cryosections (skin orientation critical)
  • Section paraffin embedded skin tissue (skin orientation critical)
  • Perform special staining techniques on skin tissue slides
The majority of the work involved in skin sample manipulation is at the gross level and can be discerned with the naked eye, since skin has distinct layers and textures. Inarguably, skin orientation must be maintained throughout the entire process. A good representation of the complete cross section of a skin sample is what is typically desired. During gross examination, the epidermis must be located in order to section the specimen properly. During embedding, typically all of the skin layers are embedded down to reveal the complete cross section. If the epidermis is embedded face down, it will be the first layer to be cut away during microtomy, and the diagnosis will be cut away with it. The microtomist should also be able to detect and correct a skin section that has been poorly embedded in the paraffin block. Faulty orientation at any point can lead to the wrong diagnosis and can result in poor quality patient care.
Also, histotechnologists who perform special stains should be able to decipher the special stains on skin slides. A thorough knowledge of skin morphology and how skin cells stain will bring confidence in discerning how well a special stain worked.

Skin H&E
Fite stain on skin to detect Leprosy.