NSH Poster Podcast (2025): Employing Multi-Tissue Controls to Enhance Kidney Biopsy Protocol Education in a Program in Histotechnology Student Lab

Title: Employing Multi-Tissue Controls to Enhance Kidney Biopsy Protocol Education in a Program in Histotechnology Student Lab

Authors: Hyder Aljanabi, Damon Bendolph, Gabriella Casas, Yosan Embrafrash, Sara Hassan, Anastasja Kraft, Stephan Lloyd-Brown , Nida Mubeen, Minh Nguyen, Xena Orosco, Nicole Rivera, Moriam Sissoho, Tan Tang , Kaleena Ramirez, Toysha Mayer, Mark Bailey

Abstract: In a Program in Histotechnology student laboratory, establishing a representative and clinical teaching laboratory environment is essential for preparing students to manage the complexities of diagnostic tissue processing. The objective of the project was to simulate real-world clinical procedures by integrating multi-tissue controls into student education competencies for kidney biopsy staining protocols. Students participated in the investigation, each receiving four pieces of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue: kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract (GI), and tonsil. The tissues served as controls to validate staining techniques commonly used in renal pathology. Students prepared tissue sections using a rotary microtome, sectioning tissue at four microns. In total, forty slides were prepared, with eighteen slides manually stained using specific histochemical methods. Stains included hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), periodic acid methenamine silver (PAMS), and the Gomori Trichrome technique. The results yielded identifiable cellular and structural features critical for diagnostic interpretation. A slide review was conducted, and acceptable representative slides were selected for digital imaging. In addition, the results demonstrated the four tissue types which may be approved to use as controls, due to the consistency of demonstrating staining characteristics and features required for evaluating kidney biopsy protocols. Upon technical validation, the use of multi-tissue controls contributed to educational and operational outcomes. Students gained quality assurance experience, and the experience reinforced special stain and laboratory operations competencies, teaching students how to conserve reagent use, and to reduce time and expense. Furthermore, the protocol introduced the application of digital pathology and quality assurance in a real-world lab setting. Our investigation supports the integration of multi-tissue controls in histotechnology education as a valuable tool for enhancing both learning and laboratory efficiency. Future studies are recommended to include additional tissue types, stains, and immunohistochemical markers, to further advance and expand histotechnology educational competencies.