What is a histologist?

Histologists often use microscopes.

A histologist is a laboratory scientist who studies the anatomy and physiology of biological tissue samples. Most histologists work in clinical settings, such as hospital laboratories, to detect disease and other abnormalities in human tissue. Other professionals conduct empirical scientific research on samples to learn about genetics, cell replication, and evolutionary history. All histologists have specialized knowledge of many different tissue types and employ specialized laboratory techniques to accurately identify and record relevant findings.

Histologists study the anatomy and physiology of biological tissue in a laboratory.

Histologists use many sophisticated laboratory equipment in their work. Microscopes and other precision imaging technology tools are widely used in clinical and research laboratories. A professional uses specialized dyes that stain certain types of cells, making them easier to identify under a microscope. Histologists also manipulate laboratory equipment to count, cut, and separate cells and their components. Those who study genetics use gels to separate DNA strands and isolate proteins from cell samples.

Clinical laboratory histologists study tissue samples provided by doctors for signs of disease.

Clinical laboratory histologists study tissue samples provided by doctors to look for signs of disease. A histologist studies a sample to identify common pathogens and cancers and then records the information on standard forms. She can also look for traces of toxins, illicit drugs, or radiation during biopsies or autopsies. The results are reported to doctors so they can make accurate diagnoses and determine the best way to treat certain conditions.

A histologist working in a scientific research laboratory may study living tissue from animals or plants. Scientists conduct research for a wide range of reasons. A doctor may want to better understand how a particular organism develops or what genes are expressed in the DNA of a sample. Researchers are also studying the physiology of stem cells to understand how they change to form different types of body tissue. In addition, some scientists focus their research on the development of drugs to combat genetic diseases, cancer and viruses.

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Education and training requirements to become a histologist vary. Most clinical laboratories will hire new workers with a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or medical technology. Professionals begin their careers as technicians, assisting experienced histologists in their work, organizing experiments, collecting and storing samples, and entering data into electronic files. An advanced degree and a national license are often required to direct operations in a clinical laboratory.

A person who wants to work as a histologist in an independent research laboratory usually needs to obtain a Ph.D. in histology, microbiology, genetics, or organic chemistry. After earning a degree, a new scientist can become an assistant or research associate at a university, private laboratory, or biotech company. Gradually, a histologist is given more responsibilities with experience in the field and eventually has the opportunity to organize and direct independent research studies.

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