AN OVERVIEW OF ROUTINE HISTOPATHOLOGY TECHNIQUES AND RECENT ADVANCES IN LABORATORY PRACTICE

Histopathology is a cornerstone of diagnostic medicine, providing microscopic insight into tissue pathology and guiding clinical decisions. Routine techniques—including tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting—are fundamental for producing high-quality slides for microscopic evaluation. This review comprehensively summarizes each step of the routine histopathological workflow, focusing on standard practices, commonly used reagents, and procedural challenges. Additionally, we highlight recent advancements, such as automation and microwave-assisted techniques, which improve turnaround time and diagnostic accuracy. Understanding these foundational laboratory methods is essential not only for maintaining quality and reliability but also for integrating newer technologies in diagnostic pathology