Histologists exercise autonomy through various means:
Sample Preparation: Deciding on the appropriate fixation techniques, embedding media, and sectioning protocols based on the type of tissue and the desired outcomes. Staining Procedures: Selecting and optimizing staining protocols to highlight specific cellular structures or components, such as using H&E staining for general tissue architecture or immunohistochemistry for detecting specific antigens. Microscopic Analysis: Interpreting microscopic images to diagnose diseases or understand tissue pathology, often in collaboration with pathologists.