What are common supplementary tests used in Histology?
There are several supplementary tests that histologists may use, each serving different purposes:
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Utilizes antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue sections, aiding in the identification of particular cell types or disease markers. Special Stains: Such as Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) or Masson's Trichrome, which highlight specific tissue components like carbohydrates and collagen, respectively. In Situ Hybridization (ISH): Detects specific nucleic acid sequences within tissues, useful for identifying viral infections or genetic abnormalities. Molecular Pathology: Techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analyze genetic material to identify mutations, translocations, or other genetic alterations. Flow Cytometry: Often used for hematologic malignancies, this technique analyzes the physical and chemical characteristics of cells in a fluid suspension.
