Several key elements are integral to quality control in histology:
1. Pre-analytical Procedures: This includes proper specimen collection, labeling, and fixation. Ensuring that tissues are properly collected and preserved is fundamental to the overall QC process.
2. Analytical Procedures: This involves the actual processing of tissues, including embedding, sectioning, and staining. Each step must be meticulously controlled to prevent errors.
3. Post-analytical Procedures: This includes the accurate interpretation of histological slides and the reporting of results. Proper documentation and validation of findings are critical here.