Biopsy examination
Microscopic assessment of core, endoscopic, skin and other biopsies.
World time
Molecular Laboratory Clinic / Diagnostic discipline
Histopathology
Examine tissue architecture and cellular features to support diagnosis, staging and treatment decisions.
Purpose and scope
Evidence designed for the decision.
Histopathology depends on representative tissue, prompt fixation, clinical details and correct orientation. Processing, sectioning, staining, microscopy and any immunohistochemical or molecular add-on testing are controlled before a pathologist authorises the report.
Scope noteAvailability, recognised methods and accreditation status must be confirmed for the exact laboratory, location, test and sample type before use.
Specialist capabilities
A connected technical programme.
Panels are selected after the question, sample matrix, applicable limits, required sensitivity and reporting purpose are understood.
Surgical pathology
Specimen dissection, margins, staging data and representative block selection.
Special stains
Risk-led histochemical stains for organisms, deposits and tissue components.
Immunohistochemistry
Antibody panels selected to refine lineage, origin or predictive information.
Samples and evidence
Defined matrices.
Controlled handling.
Correct container, identity, preservation, temperature, transport and holding time are agreed before collection.
01Core biopsies02Endoscopic biopsies03Skin specimens04Surgical resections05Formalin-fixed tissue06Paraffin blocks and slides
The laboratory pathway
Confirm request, consent and patient identification
Collect and transport the correct specimen
Examine with validated methods and quality controls
Authorise, interpret and communicate the report
Authoritative framework
Primary guidance for quality and practice.
COHSEW summarises these sources; it does not reproduce standards or replace current national rules and competent professional judgement.
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