What is the primary focus of the histology laboratory section?

The primary focus of the histology laboratory section is analyzing cellular structures of tissue samples. In histology, specimens are prepared from various types of tissue, which can include samples taken from biopsies, surgical resections, or autopsies. The importance of histology lies in its ability to provide insight into the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues. By examining these samples under a microscope, pathologists and laboratory technologists can identify abnormalities, diagnose diseases, and assess the effects of treatment.

Histology is critical in detecting conditions such as cancer, where the architecture of tissue can show distinct variations from normal. The techniques used in histology, such as staining and sectioning, are designed specifically to highlight features of the cellular structures, allowing for a detailed analysis.

In contrast, testing blood samples is not the primary responsibility of the histology lab, which focuses on tissues. Conducting bacteriological cultures deals primarily with microbiology, where the goal is to isolate and identify microorganisms from various specimens, not analyzing tissues. Measuring chemical substances in fluids pertains to clinical biochemistry, which focuses on the analysis of body fluids for chemical components and markers, rather than cellular structures.