Finding the Cause of Death Microscopically: When Histology is Vital to Forensics
Dr. Joshua Akers, Medical Examiner
Forensic pathology is a subspecialty of anatomic pathology focused on death investigation and the accurate determination of cause and manner of death. Proper certification requires thorough investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding death and to determine the appropriate level of examination. In some cases, an autopsy is necessary to obtain additional information, including organ pathology and forensic evidence. Among cases that undergo autopsy, a subset requires further histologic evaluation to achieve a complete understanding of the findings. In the forensic setting, histology is most commonly used to identify pathologic processes not visible to the naked eye; however, it also plays a role in estimating the timing of injuries and refining diagnostic classifications. The work of the medical examiner carries significant implications not only for the legal system but also for public health and familial risk assessment. As such, histologic analysis serves as a critical tool in the forensic pathologist’s practice, supporting accurate and comprehensive death certification.
The Power of Alcohol
The H&E stain is the pinnacle of histologic techniques and diagnosis. Most training focuses on the stains themselves, which are incredibly important for troubleshooting, but the forgotten hero is in the alcohols or dehydrants we use in staining and processing. This workshop focuses on how to improve both staining and processing by selecting the right dehydrant.
Spatial Biology: The Critical Role of Holistic Histology
in the Spatialomics Era
Grant Barthel & Colleen Forster
Spatial biology technologies now enable high-resolution mapping of thousands of RNA transcripts and hundreds of proteins within intact tissue architecture. As these platforms rapidly evolve, the quality of spatial data depends fundamentally on tissue preservation and histologic technique. In this environment, pre-analytical variables are amplified across thousands of targets—making molecular integrity in specimens more critical than ever. This session will provide an overview of the principles, applications, and current state of spatial biology, followed by a focused discussion of histologic considerations across major technology categories, including array-based, sequencing-based, antibody-based, and imaging-based platforms. We will examine how preservation strategies, fixation, embedding, sectioning, and slide preparation directly influence assay sensitivity, reproducibility, and downstream data interpretation. Finally, we will discuss the importance of integrating histologists into early project consultation to build strong, sustainable spatial biology programs.
Anatomic Pathology Billing: Helpful Pathology
Coding Rules & Guidelines
Jennifer Hopkins
Pathology billing and coding have complex regulations and rules. Mistakes can occur at many points and can reduce collections, increase days in A/R, delay reimbursement, and may potentially lead to compliance violations or fines. It is not uncommon for Histology professionals to be involved in correcting/editing CPT’s. This session will provide a high-level overview of common Anatomic Pathology CPT billing edits and rules. It will define units of service billing rules and Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE) for Special Stains and Immunohistochemistry(IHC) tests and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative IHC CPT codes. Understanding these common coding rules will provide foundational knowledge that will allow Histology professionals to review report documentation and coding more critically within their laboratory.
Perceptions of Clinical Teaching in Histotechnology
Dr. Jennifer Sells
Clinical teachers of Histotechnology (HTL) are essential to students’ learning during workplace laboratory rotations or internships. However, Histotechs who serve in this role oftentimes do so without having formalized training in educational practices. Those who teach and train alongside managing their workload at work are relied upon to provide optimal learning experiences for students who are preparing to enter the workforce. Moreover, there is a scarcity of empirical data on clinical teaching at-large in laboratory medicine, especially Histotechnology.
Leadership Panel: Radical Candor
Sean Tucker, Shaun Strong, and Matt Livengood
Radical Candor is a communication framework that enables giving effective, actionable feedback by fostering trust and high performance while demonstrating genuine care, moving beyond "brutal honesty" or "ruinous empathy."