Histopathology Biological Specimen Processing Training

Learning Outcomes

• Apply correct procedures for receiving, labelling, and registering biological specimens in a histopathology laboratory.
• Demonstrate safe handling, fixation, and processing of tissue specimens according to standard operating procedures.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure specimen integrity and traceability throughout the processing workflow.
• Analyze potential hazards associated with biological specimen handling and apply appropriate safety precautions.
• Evaluate different processing techniques and select the appropriate method for various tissue types.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in compliance with laboratory and regulatory requirements.

Target Audience

This course is designed for laboratory technicians, technologists, and assistants working in histopathology or anatomical pathology laboratories. It is also suitable for healthcare professionals seeking to expand their skills in specimen processing.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Hands-on practicals are essential for mastering histopathology specimen processing. Learners will perform macroscopic examination, tissue processing, microtomy, routine and special staining, frozen sectioning, and IHC under supervision, building competence in laboratory techniques.

Practical Activities

• Macroscopic Examination and Fixation — Learners receive fresh specimens, perform macroscopic description, orientation, inking, and place in fixative. (4h)
• Tissue Processing and Embedding — Learners load cassettes into an automated processor, then embed processed tissues into paraffin blocks. (8h)
• Microtomy and H&E Staining — Learners cut 4-5 µm sections on a rotary microtome, perform H&E staining, and coverslip slides. (8h)
• Special Stains and IHC — Learners perform PAS and Masson's Trichrome stains, plus a basic IHC protocol with DAB detection. (8h)
• Frozen Section and Cytology — Learners cut frozen sections on a cryostat and prepare cytology smears from simulated specimens. (4h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.