AMCA MHTC study plan
AMCA MHTC · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Specimen Collection, Handling, and Fixation & Microtomy and Section Preparation
List the sequence of events from specimen accession to slide, naming the fixative, timing, and temperature at each step
Compare the properties of 10% neutral buffered formalin, alcohol-based fixatives, and Bouin solution by describing which tissue types and downstream stains each supports
Practice calculating formalin-to-tissue volume ratios and explain why underfixation and overfixation each degrade staining
Identify the microtomy steps (trimming, facing, sectioning, floating, drying) and state the correct thickness range for routine paraffin sections
Your checkpoint
A one-page specimen-to-slide flowchart with fixative choice, timing, and section thickness annotated at every step
Microtomy and Section Preparation & Tissue Processing and Embedding
Explain how dehydration, clearing, and infiltration parameters change with tissue type, density, and fat content
Describe the causes and corrections for common sectioning artifacts including chatter, compression, folds, and holes
Sequence the steps for embedding orientation of tubular, mucosal, and skin specimens so the correct face is cut first
Compare blade angle, clearance angle, and section thickness effects on section quality
Your checkpoint
A troubleshooting table matching 8 sectioning artifacts to their causes and corrective actions
Routine and Special Staining & Tissue Processing and Embedding
Outline the chemistry of H&E staining including hematoxylin oxidation, bluing, and eosin differentiation
Distinguish progressive from regressive staining and state when each is used
Describe the purpose and expected result of at least 6 special stains (e.g., PAS, trichrome, reticulin, iron, mucin, elastic) and the tissue each highlights
Explain how processing errors (residual water, incomplete clearing) manifest as staining problems
Your checkpoint
A special-stain reference card listing 8 stains with target, control tissue, and expected color result
Specimen Collection, Handling, and Fixation & Routine and Special Staining
Match fixation and staining protocols to at least 5 tissue types with special handling needs (bone, lymphoid, fatty tissue, muscle, nerve)
Explain decalcification methods and their effect on subsequent staining
Describe antigen retrieval principles and why fixation timing matters for IHC
Identify causes of poor nuclear or cytoplasmic staining and trace each back to a fixation or staining step
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question self-quiz covering Domains 1 and 4, scored and reviewed with a written list of missed concepts
Microtomy and Section Preparation & Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting
Build a decision tree for diagnosing microtomy and staining problems from the appearance of the final slide
Explain how to verify a corrective action actually resolved a root cause rather than masking it
Describe the role of daily, weekly, and monthly QC checks in a histology laboratory
Interpret control slide results and state the action to take when a control fails
Your checkpoint
A root-cause analysis write-up for one simulated artifact, including hypothesis, test, correction, and verification
Laboratory Safety and Infection Control & Instrumentation, Reagents, and Maintenance
List the hazards of formalin, xylene, and other reagents used in processing and staining, and state the correct handling and disposal for each
Describe the components and routine maintenance schedule of a tissue processor, microtome, and embedding station
Explain the principles of standard precautions and how they apply to specimen handling and cryostat work
Identify what to check before and after each instrument run to confirm it performed correctly
Your checkpoint
A two-column safety and maintenance checklist covering 10 reagents or instruments with the action required for each
Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting & Tissue Processing and Embedding & Instrumentation, Reagents, and Maintenance
Review processing, embedding, and QA concepts together and explain how an error in one domain appears downstream
Describe reagent rotation and monitoring practices and their effect on section and stain quality
Practice interpreting a failed run by working backward from the slide to the instrument or reagent
Summarize the quality indicators that should be tracked in a histology laboratory
Your checkpoint
A 15-question integrated case set where each case requires tracing an error across at least two domains, with written rationales
Specimen Collection, Handling, and Fixation & Tissue Processing and Embedding & Microtomy and Section Preparation & Routine and Special Staining & Laboratory Safety and Infection Control & Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting & Instrumentation, Reagents, and Maintenance
Consolidate all domains into a single review outline weighted by exam percentage
Complete a full-length timed practice exam under test conditions
Analyze missed questions by domain and rank the three weakest areas for final review
Rehearse key calculations and definitions (fixative ratios, section thickness, stain chemistry) from memory
Your checkpoint
A scored full-length practice exam with a written remediation plan targeting the three weakest domains
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain fixation, processing, and sectioning sequence from memory and correctly diagnose at least 6 of 8 sectioning artifacts
Week 4: Scores at least 75% on the timed Domains 1 and 4 self-quiz and has a written list of every missed concept
Week 6: Can state the hazard, handling, and disposal for each major reagent and list the maintenance schedule for the processor, microtome, and embedding station
Week 8: Scores at least 80% on the full-length timed practice exam and has a remediation plan for the three weakest domains