Personalised Cancer Profiling

This course provides an insight into the role of personalised cancer profiling in cellular pathology. The content covers the principles and techniques involved in preparing FFPE tissue samples for genetic sequencing, a basic overview of the NGS process and analysis of the results. It also provides an insight into how the identification of significant genomic alterations, within an individual’s tumour, can provide oncologists with alternative targeted drug therapy options.

Double Embedding

This course describes a specialised process for providing additional physical support to tissue samples which have undergone decalcification. The content outlines its historical use, the specialised reagents required, the mechanics behind the process and its advantages.

Immunohistochemistry - A Brief History

This course outlines the historical progression of immunohistochemistry, outlining its gradual advancement over the last century. The content ranges from the discovery of antitoxins in the 19th century, through antibody labelling, immunofluorescence, immunoperoxidase, monoclonal antibody discovery, and all the scientific advances that has culminated in the automated advanced polymer systems currently used in cellular pathology laboratories.

Monoclonal Antibody Development

This course provides insights into the commercial manufacture of high-quality monoclonal antibodies, specifically for IHC use on FFPE tissues. The content covers the complex processes involved in selecting an epitope region within a target protein; the generation of monoclonal antibodies using both transfected cell lines and hybridomas; and the cloning and screening processes. There is also an outline of the extensive IHC staining validation and product stability testing involved in producing a CE/IVD marked monoclonal antibody for use on FFPE tissues

Cell Block Preparation

This content will cover the most commonly used methods available for preparation of cell blocks from cytology samples. All the methods discussed are capable of producing good quality cell blocks which can be used as an additional aid for primary diagnosis as well as providing material for ancillary testing such as Immunocytochemistry and molecular testing. Training in cell block preparation is critical if optimal samples are to be produced.  This will enable a much more refined diagnosis of a benign or malignant condition without the need for surgical intervention which is beneficial to the clinician and the patient.

Diagnostic Cytopathology - Beginners

Diagnostic Cytopathology - Intermediate

ROSE Service

This content will discuss how a ROSE service can be set up to be of value to reporting Pathologists, Clinicians and, most importantly, the patient. The organs which can be accessed by radiological techniques such as CT, US and EUS will be discussed and examples shown of the value of having experienced BMS staff on site to prepare and evaluate the quality of the samples obtained.  Also, having the experienced staff on site and their ability to make the decision , when appropriate, to obtain extra material for ancillary testing such as Immunocytochemistry and Molecular testing. Personal experience of such a service will be shared showing its value but also how the success of such a service can impact on a busy department.  Time, staff training, and backfill in the department must be taken into account before offering this service.

Cytokeratins - Their Significance of in Cancer Diagnosis

This topic provides insights into the role of cytokeratins in the differentiation of epithelial tissues and their value to pathologists in the diagnosis of epithelial tumours.

IHC on Cell Blocks

This course outlines the laboratory principles and practices involved in the clinical use of IHC staining on cytology cell blocks. This course does not cover the preparation or processing of the cell blocks, just the performance of IHC staining on FFPE cell block sections. The content provides insights into the limitations of IHC staining on cell blocks; the effect of alcohol based fixatives on IHC staining and the use of appropriate control material. There is also important guidance on the validation and quality monitoring required when diagnostic antibodies and Companion Diagnostic (CDx) assays are used on sections from alcohol fixed cell blocks.

Professional development doesn’t stop at qualification, and learning should be accessible to everyone. Our Free Introductory Learning Series supports biomedical scientists at every stage of their career, whether as an introduction or a refresher, they offer short, focused learning to encourage reflection, development, and career progression.

Free to access. Designed to support real-world practice. Built for lifelong learning.

• Communication Skills

• Customer Care & Service Management

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

• Health and Safety & Wellbeing

• Introduction to External Quality Assessment

• Introduction to Research & Development

• Patient Records & Data Handling

• Performing Standard Investigations

• Personal Responsibility & Professional Development

• Professional Knowledge

• Professional Relationships

• Reflective Practice and Maintaining a Learning Portfolio

• Understanding Quality

Controlling Controls

This content discusses the importance of using control material in the laboratory and how to verify control material. The importance of using control material in the laboratory will also be discussed, including what controls to use, appropriate and inappropriate control material, sampling for controls and storing your control material. The content also introduces how to verify control material, reproducibility, expected staining patterns and demonstration of knowledge and competence

Decalcification

This course outlines the laboratory principles and practices involved in the decalcification of histological samples prior to paraffin wax processing. The content covers tissue preparation and fixation; the use of different decalcifying approaches and reagents; end-point determination and guidance on the potential effects of decalcification on H&E and IHC staining.

European Union In-Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (EU IVDR)

This course simply outlines the implications of the EU IVDR regulation on cellular pathology laboratories in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and European Union. It also provides general advice on what defines a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and the technical data that could be required to satisfy regional regulatory compliance.

Formalin Fixation

This course specifically outlines the role of formalin fixation in cellular pathology. The content covers the evolution of formalin fixation; the chemistry of formaldehyde and neutral buffered formalin; protein cross-link fixation; and the achievement of optimal formalin fixation. There is also guidance on how sub-optimal formalin fixation impacts the quality of clinical testing (H&E, IHC, NGS).

Microtomy - Improved Sectioning

A simple exploration of tips and practices that may not be commonly taught in modern training but may help provide an insight into the mechanics of sectioning and help resolve some difficulties encountered when sectioning.

Preparation of Specimens Prior to Gross-Dissection

This course outlines the laboratory principles and practices involved in facilitating the fixation of histological samples prior to gross-dissection. The content covers the handling of all specimen types from small biopsies to gross organs; the slicing of solid organs; opening of tubular organs and the perfusion of hollow organs. There is also guidance on how marking ink can be applied, to certain tissue types, for orientation purposes.

Specimen Dissection & Processing Preparation

This course outlines the laboratory principles and practices involved in the selection of tissue blocks from histological samples during gross-dissection and the methods deployed to protect different sample types during processing. The content also covers the tracking processes used by laboratories to maintain the link between the sample, cassette, and request form.

Tissue Embedding

This course outlines the laboratory principles and practices involved in the embedding of histological samples in paraffin wax. The content covers the historical changes in embedding techniques, the importance of correct tissue orientation and the impact of misorientation during microtomy and diagnostic interpretation. There is also guidance on avoiding commonly occurring embedding errors and general equipment “housekeeping” advice.

Tissue Fixation - An Overview

This course provides a general overview of the use of fixatives in cellular pathology, outlining the changes that occur in cells and tissues when exposed to cold-ischaemia and the need for immediate tissue fixation. The content covers the evolution of fixation and fixatives, and the chemical changes produced in tissue proteins by exposure to additive and coagulative fixatives. There is also guidance on how different fixatives effect the quality of haematoxylin and eosin staining.

Tissue Processing

This course outlines the historical progression of tissue processing, outlining its gradual advancement over the decades. The content covers fixation, dehydration, clearing and wax impregnation; the evolution of chemicals used in tissue processing; and the advancement from manual processing to full automation. There is also guidance on the chemistry of tissue processing; the use of vacuum, pressure, agitation and temperature; and general tips on tissue restoration, safety and “good housekeeping”.

Back to Basics - Quality Management Systems

This content is designed to introduce new personnel and students or qualified scientific staff who wish to learn about the importance of ‘quality’ in their day-to-day work. The session will begin with describing what quality is, what makes a good quality management system and will also advise of quality practices to apply to any industry to assure good customer service. The importance of good documentation practice will also be discussed along with looking at some other aspects of Quality such as the differences between Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

Data Review, Trending, & Improvement 

This content discusses the importance of constant review of data collected during audit and day-to-day work activities, to look for trends and subsequently ensure continuous improvement. The value of data is that it provides an objective, accurate picture of what’s happening in your organisation. You need to review your data regularly, going over the same sources of information time and time again to understand your customers’ behaviours and needs, spot any changes in these, determine efficiency, identify trends, problems, and opportunities as they arise.

Effective Internal Auditing 

This content is suitable for anyone interested in learning more about internal auditing processes, to support their organisation in ensuring compliance, identifying gaps and also any areas for improvement. Learn about the importance of audit, different types of audit, how to conduct an effective audit, how to report, review and manage findings. Audit is important for various reasons such as identifying risks and areas for improvement, assessing the overall effectiveness of an organisation, identifying if the product or service is fit for purpose and meets the customer’s needs and to ensure regulatory compliance. It provides a holistic view of the organisation. 

Non-Conformity, Root Cause Analysis and CAPA

This content follows on from the subject of auditing, to define and discuss non-compliance, the different types of non-conformity, how to identify ‘why’ something went wrong, the corrective actions which may be used to prevent recurrence of the problem and also basic risk management to identify preventive measures before something goes wrong. Non-conformance (or nonconformity) means that something went wrong with a process, service, or product, and the result does not match the initial specifications. Non-compliances can endanger the health and safety of patients. It is suitable for complete beginners, those interested in supporting their quality team to better understand why processes go wrong and how to make them better.

Verification, Validation, Uncertainty & Improvement

This course provides a simple interpretation of the laboratory regulatory terms Verification, Validation, Uncertainty of Measurement and Calibration. The content provides basic guidance and examples that hopefully expands the understanding of each of the terms.

High-Quality H&E Staining

This course outlines the optimal haematoxylin and eosin staining criteria expected by the UK NEQAS CPT assessment scheme. The content covers the optimal staining criteria for both haematoxylin and eosin stains; the importance of eosin staining selectivity; and highlights the factors that cause variable staining. There is also guidance on how to avoid staining variation, how to resolve sub-optimal staining and the methods that can be employed to monitor staining quality.

Specialist Staining Troubleshooting 

This topic provides insights into troubleshooting of specialist staining techniques, examining the causes and appearance of sub-optimal staining 

quality, as well as their clinical use and staining chemistry.

• Troubleshooting Alcian Blue Periodic Acid Schiff (AB / PAS) Staining

• Troubleshooting Copper Associated Protein (CAP) Staining

• Troubleshooting Diastase Periodic Acid Schiff (DPAS) Staining

• Troubleshooting Elastic Van Gieson (EVG) Staining

• Troubleshooting Gram Staining

• Troubleshooting Grocott Staining

• Troubleshooting Haematoxylin Van Gieson (HVG) Staining

• Troubleshooting Masson Fontana Staining

• Troubleshooting Martius Scarlet Blue (MSB) Staining

• Troubleshooting Perl’s Staining

• Troubleshooting Reticulin Staining

• Troubleshooting Trichrome Staining

• Troubleshooting Ziehl Neelsen Staining

Our Tissue-Specific Pathways are designed for those progressing in biomedical science careers. Starting with foundational Basic Tissue Recognition  exercises to support practical laboratory learning, the courses then advance to an in-depth exploration of organ- and system-specific pathways. Delivered alongside webinars and masterclasses, they support professional portfolio development and help build the skills needed for workforce readiness.

• Basic Tissue Recognition 1 - Epithelial Tissues

• Basic Tissue Recognition 2 - Connective Tissues

• Basic Tissue Recognition 3 - Supporting Connective Tissues

• The Cardiovascular Sytem

• The Digestive System

• The Immune System (Including Lymphatic Organs)

• Liver, Pancreas & Gallbladder

• The Respiratory System