The Thermo Fisher Pathology Laboratory provides a powerful technological platform for modern pathological diagnosis. However, even the most advanced equipment and reagents need to be operated by well-trained, rigorous and responsible laboratory personnel. A deep understanding and meticulous implementation of standard operating procedures, while internalizing quality awareness and safety standards in the heart and externalizing them in practice, are the cornerstone of every pathology laboratory producing reliable diagnostic reports and serving precision medicine. Only by closely integrating the "process" and "attention" can we truly unleash the maximum value of advanced technology and safeguard the health of patients.
1、 Standardized operating procedures
The workflow of Thermo Fisher Pathology Laboratory is interrelated, and any mistake in any link may lead to a deviation in the final results. The standard process is mainly divided into the following stages:
1. Sample reception and pre-processing
Process: After receiving tissue samples for clinical testing (such as biopsy or surgical resection specimens), immediately verify, register, and number them to ensure accurate patient information. Subsequently, the pathologist dissects, describes, and selects key tissue blocks (samples) from the specimen.
Thermo Fisher association: using Thermo Fisher specimen storage containers and pathology information systems (such as PathLab) ™） Implement information management to ensure sample traceability.
2. Organize dehydration, transparency, and wax immersion
Process: Place the tissue block after sampling into a tissue dehydrator, dehydrate it with gradient alcohol, then make it transparent with transparent agents such as xylene, and finally immerse and embed it in paraffin to form a hard wax block.
Thermo Fisher association: Using Thermo Fisher's HistoCore series of tissue processing machines and matching reagents (such as environmentally friendly transparent agents) to ensure standardized and programmed processing processes and reduce human errors.
3. Slicing, spreading and baking
Process: Use a paraffin slicer to cut the wax block into 4-6 micron thin slices, flatten them in warm water, and adhere them to a glass slide. Finally, bake them in an oven to firmly adhere the tissue.
Thermo Fisher association: using paraffin microtome, anti slip glass slides, etc., to ensure uniform and smooth slice thickness, and to prevent detachment.
4. Staining and sealing
technological process:
Conventional staining (HE staining): Stain the tissue with hematoxylin and eosin to clearly display the structure of the nucleus and cytoplasm. Thermo Fisher offers ready to use, stable HE staining kits that can be used in conjunction with Varistain series automatic staining machines to achieve consistency and high efficiency in staining.
Special staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC): Staining specific targets (such as proteins, microorganisms). Thermo Fisher's LabVision automatic immunohistochemistry/in situ hybridization staining system and UltraVision high-quality antibody and detection kits can provide excellent results with high sensitivity and low background.
Sealing: After staining, use neutral gum to seal the film for long-term storage.
5. Microscopic analysis and report
Process: The pathologist observes the section under a microscope, makes a diagnosis, and issues a pathology report. Digital pathology scanners can digitize sections for easy archiving, remote consultation, and artificial intelligence analysis.
2、 Core precautions
While strictly following the operating procedures, the following precautions are the lifeline to ensure laboratory safety and quality.
1. Quality management and standardization
Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP): All steps must strictly follow written SOP procedures and must not be changed arbitrarily.
Indoor quality control: Run positive and negative control samples daily to ensure the specificity and sensitivity of staining results. Regularly calibrate and maintain the instruments.
Reagent management: All reagents, especially Thermo Fisher's antibodies and detection kits, must be stored strictly under the required conditions (such as avoiding light, -20 ° C) and used within their expiration date. Record the date of opening.
2. Biosafety and personal protection
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Laboratory personnel must wear white coats, gloves, goggles, and masks throughout the entire process. When handling non fixed samples, it is necessary to operate in a biosafety cabinet.
Sample fixation: The submitted sample must be fully fixed with sufficient 10% neutral formalin to inactivate pathogens and maintain tissue morphology. Fixed time should be standardized to avoid insufficient or excessive fixation.
Waste liquid treatment: Toxic waste liquids such as xylene and formaldehyde need to be classified and collected, and handed over to qualified institutions for treatment. It is strictly prohibited to directly pour them into the sewer.
3. Instrument use and maintenance
Regular maintenance: Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance on processing machines, staining machines, slicing machines, and other equipment, and keep detailed records. This can effectively prevent malfunctions and extend the lifespan of equipment.
Standardized operation: When using sharp tools such as slicers, be sure to use tweezers to pick up the slices and prevent cuts. Replace the blade immediately after use and handle it properly.
4. Data and Record Integrity
Sample traceability: From receiving to reporting, every step of each sample operation should be clearly and accurately recorded to achieve full traceability.
Electronic system: Fully utilize the Thermo Fisher Pathology Information Management System to reduce manual transcription errors, improve work efficiency and data security.