3. Working in Histology
Associate practitioner
• Specimen reception
Receipt and labelling of specimens such as skin biopsies, breast cores and whole
tissue excisions
• Scribe macroscopic descriptions of tissue during dissection
Understanding of medical and anatomical terminology
• Embedding
Orientating tissue sections dependent of tissue type (fallopian tube-cross
section or skin- on edge)
• Trimming and microtomy
Use of a microtome to trim in and cut thin sections of paraffin wax embedded
tissue
• Tissue staining
Maintenance and use of laboratory staining machines for H&E and
immunohistochemistry staining
4. Working in Histology
Areas of the laboratory
Main lab
Histopathology
Specimen
reception
Non-gynae
Cytology
Andrology
Embedding, microtomy, H&E staining
Receipt and labelling
Patient confidentiality
Data input
Allocation of specimens
BMS 6 – Semen samples for post
vasectomy and fertility testing
Secondary staining
Use of antibodies to detect and
diagnose different types of cancer
Processing samples
such as FNA’s, joint
fluids and CSF’s
5. Skills and development
Skills Development
Be able to work well within a team and have
excellent written and oral communication skills
Establishing a good working relationship with
colleagues, medical staff and consultants
Be able to work independently
Have excellent analytical and observation skills
and maintain the quality of laboratory testing
Attention to detail, use of new equipment effectively,
attend training courses, active problem solving
Following standard operating procedures,
awareness of protocols, error logging, maintaining
productivity and time management
Excellent IT skills, use of various computer
software. Use of various laboratory equipment
and machinery
Attend necessary training, being competent and
confident in different areas of the laboratory and of
course practice!
Analytical thinking, adhering to protocols and active learning are all
necessary attributes to enable progression within my career
6. Transferable skills
Biomedical
Science
Degree
Time management
• Coursework deadlines
• Attending lectures
• Prioritising workload
Laboratory projects
• Use of lab equipment
• Dealing with bodily
fluids/specimens
• Calibration of
equipment
• Laboratory protocols
Interpersonal skills
• Working in a team
• Working
independently
• Build good
relationships
Coursework
• Research and development
• Diseases and disease progression
• Establish oral and written
communication skills
• Working under pressure
IT
• Data analysis
• Computing software
• Observation and
Interpretation of results
Health and safety
• PPE
• Waste disposal
• Handling of chemicals- COSHH regulations
Anatomical terminology
7. Career development/plan
4 years ago
Band 2- Medical laboratory
assistant in Microbiology
Full time Biomedical
science degree at Derby
University
After completion of first year
(level 4). Employed as a Band
4 Associate practitioner in
Histopathology
3 years ago
Transferred to SHU as a
part-time student
Completed work based
competencies and on
the job training as an
associate practitioner
Now
Final year at university.
Started my IBMS
registration portfolio
(through my
employment)
In the next 6 months
Finish my degree and
IBMS portfolio.
Apply for a band 5
Trainee Biomedical
Scientist job- start
specialist portfolio
In the next 2 years
Complete specialist
portfolio. Progress to a
band 6 Biomedical
Scientist in
Histopathology
MY GOAL
8. Conclusion
Utilising skills and knowledge during my time at university and my work
experience within a laboratory has enabled me to progress within my career
and given me development opportunities to further enhance my chosen
career prospects within the field of biomedical science.
Any Questions?