Histochemistry and Immunocytochemistry

Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Histology.

In the theoretical classes, there will be a detailed presentation of the program contents, using an expository, interrogative and active methodology with direct student’s participation.

In the practical classes will be use a demonstrative methodology of the concepts learned, with resolution and discussion of practical problems, implementation of individual techniques and microscopic observation of histological slides.

Theoretical Component (T)

The student must acquire knowledge and competences to:

Understand the physicochemical principles of Histochemistry.
Classify dyes and staining methods.
Identify histochemical stains for different tissue components.
Understand the principles of Immunocytochemistry.
Recognise the analytical and pre-analytical factors affecting immunolabelling.
Know the immunolabelling methods and the corresponding quality control.
Know the application of Histochemistry and Immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis/prognosis of pathologies and in targeted therapies.

Practical-Laboratory Component (PL)

The student must acquire skills and competences to:

Plan and perform Histochemistry and Immunohistochemistry methods complementary to diagnosis.
Select and prepare reagent solutions, dyes and antibody dilutions.
Apply and control histochemical and immunohistochemical methodologies in a biomedical context, taking into account the cellular or tissue target.
Plan and control histochemical staining and immunolabelling procedures.

Theoretical:

– General concepts of Histochemistry;

– Types of dyes and stainings;

– Characterization of staining techniques for connective tissue, nervous tissue, carbohydrates, lipids, amyloid, microorganisms and pigments and minerals;

– General concepts of Immunocytochemistry;

– Principle and methods for antigenic recovery;

– Immunostaining methods;

– Controls in immunocytochemistry;

– Main antibody panels: colorectal, breast, lung and lymphoproliferative tumors.

Practical:

– Perform histochemical techniques studied in theoretical classes.

– Perform and optimize immunohistochemistry protocols

Continuous Assessment
Theoretical: One individual written test (70%), with a minimum passing grade of 9.5/20.
Practical: Practical assessment (30%), with a minimum passing grade of 9.5/20.

Final Exam
Students may take the final examination of the course unit during the examination periods provided in the academic calendar. The exam will follow the same format and weighting between the assessment components.

NAO